I Love My AARP Magazine

 

Many  people dread that first AARP Magazine arriving in the mail.  It's a sign that they've been thrown into a new phase of life - whether they want it or not. 

I loved mine from the beginning.  The most recent features country music but my favorite article is called "I Witnessed History."  It depicts eight stories told by normal, every day folks who unexpectedly landed in the middle of a significant event in history.  

One of my favorite's was written by 78 year old Mary Robinson.  In 1980 her husband was transferred to London.  Mary would be working part time so she had to find a baby-sitter for a couple of days a week to care her baby boy, Patrick.  

The agency sent over an 18 year old Diane Spencer.  Yes, that Diane Spencer! 

Diane and Patrick

 She became very fond of Mary and Patrick. When the family moved back to the states, "these little blue airmail letters started arriving."  

Then, in 1981, a note came saying that Mary and her husband would be receiving an invitation to the wedding.

Yes, that wedding!

For the rest of Diane's life the two women stayed in touch.  The last visit the had was a lunch at Kensington Palace with just Diane, Mary, and her two children. 

The next, and final time they were together was when Lord Chamberlain invited Mary to the funeral in 1997.

Every one of the eight stories is spellbinding.  Be sure to look at your current copy - if you're old enough.

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