Who Knew I Was Forty?

Unbeknownst to me, I turned forty a couple weeks ago. Somehow I'd blinked and missed the passing of thirteen years. Here's how it happened:

While I was running a junior/adult tennis social at the club a parent, Val, noted to me that one of the adults in attendance, Tricia, had just celebrated her fortieth birthday on May 18th. Unaware of this fact until that moment, I then mentioned that my birthday was the day before Tricia's. Val then excused herself to "make coffee for the adults".

She reappeared over an hour later carrying a large cake, announcing to the assembled crowd of parents and children that there were a pair of birthdays to be celebrated. Val then proclaimed that Tricia had just turned twenty-seven, while I turned forty.

Everyone had a good laugh. But here's what makes this story memorable: One of the little girls I teach approached me afterward and earnestly commented, "I didn't know you were forty. You really are old."