It’s hard to imagine, but I’d like you to picture this. The old Charlie Brown gang will be gathering at the Old Folks Home today to celebrate Charlie Brown’s 76th birthday. Yes, the boy in the yellow shirt has now advanced to his golden years and has been moved from his familiar home to live out the rest of his days playing racquet ball, solving puzzles and talking about the good old days with his buddies. His days of kite flying are long gone. He now spends more time in the waiting room of his doctor’s office. He’s grown completely bald. Even that one remaining curl at the middle of his forehead has disappeared. He keeps his head nice and shiny though. He occasionally visits his psychiatrist, Lucy to prevent early onset of dementia. He now uses a walker to make his way around the humongous, assisted living place. He still has a positive attitude in spite of his age. When another resident says, “It’s good to see you, Chuck,” he’s quick to respond, “It’s better to be seen than viewed.” He never misses an opportunity to make us laugh.

Charlie never really grew up and neither did his friends. His faithful pup, Snoopy, is still around. In fact, he’s baked the cake for today’s event. There’s only one candle on it because of the fear of setting the place on fire. Charlie’s best friend has always been his beagle. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could take our pets to heaven with us? Shroeder is still playing the piano but had to give up his career as a concert pianist because arthritis had deformed is fingers. Peppermint is the social director of the place. She spent her younger years managing the Minnesota Twins, but age got in the way for her as well. She’s always organizing one thing after another. Sally, Charlie’s sister, makes sure the menu doesn’t include any gluten. She insists that all dishes, including chicken cordon bleu, are put in a blender first. Linus still carries his favorite blanket, but it doesn’t look the same, even though he made a living by selling blankets made in Indonesia. It’s down to one strand now. There’s much to be said for hanging on to things from the past.

Birthday parties are a highlight at the home. Since they come fewer by the day, it’s time for a big celebration. Of course, now that everyone in the gang is collecting social security which in turn is donated to the “home,” there aren’t many presents. Limited income will be used on haircuts (which he doesn’t need anymore,) and occasional outings or classes that present themselves.

So, Happy 76th birthday to you, Charlie Brown. Welcome to the golden years. Let me tell you, it doesn’t get much better.