Junior Moments

Have you ever wondered if children and youth ever have any “junior moments?” If so, what would they be like? Would they resemble the typical “senior moment” which is that time when we have a memory lapse. Like, “Where did I put my keys (translation: they aren't in the usual place).” Or, “I know, I really do know her name but it just won't come out of hiding.”

We seniors do cover a myriad of experiences we label as senior moments. And I guess most of us know the feeling.

But what about our younger generation? When taking an exam, do they ever get the feeling they know the answer but it evaporated until after the test had been surrendered? When playing ball, do they ever chastise themselves when striking out knowing the ball was too high (or too low) but they took a poke at it anyway. And then hung their head while returning to the dugout?

Suppose a teenager peeked into the fridge, spotted the last, luscious apple, and downed it. When her mother asked at the dinner table who took the apple, she shrugged, “Beats me.” Not a denial but almost, huh? An hour later a confession commenced because something mysterious was churning inside.

Are these really junior moments? If not, let's find a name for them. Alibis? Excuses?

Misdemeanors? Transgressions? Yes? No? Maybe? Tough assignment, isn't it? Maybe “Junior Moments” isn't too bad after all except some probably don't want to be considered junior. But then, some seniors feel the same way like an 80-year old who refuses to go to a senior outing because he isn't old enough.

Ah, yes. At 83, I do have fewer senior moments, really. No one asks me anymore if I want a senior discount (that didn't sound so good when I was 55). Besides, as we age (just ask a movie star or an athlete), many are more tolerant of our foibles and fumbles. When going through chemotherapy recently, my wife became chauffeur (among other things) but I was never embarrassed when a an attendant helped me out of the car.

I am not sure when I'll have my next senior moment, but this I know, it won't be long but I can wait. How about you?