So, today is my birthday.

I know the date at the top of the page says it is Sunday.

However, the newspaper comes out on Saturday … my birthday. Oct. 18.

If you’d have asked me long ago if I ever thought I would make it to 54, I probably would have responded, “no.”

That number just seemed so far away. I couldn’t have envisioned myself being that age.

Could any of us?

I blinked.

And now … almost double nickels.

You know, when my grandparents were double nickels, they looked a lot different than people today look when they are 55.

Why is that?

Their hair was gray and my pappap was rapidly balding. They had wrinkles.

My grandma wore very little makeup, if any. I believe she was pretty much allergic to everything. Which may explain the why in that.

But I cannot recall seeing my grandma wear a pair of jeans a day in her life. Ever. And she lived to be 76.

I, personally, live in my jeans.

Although I honestly believe if they were still here, they would continue to be the same exact people they always were.

For I have learned in my 54 years that people usually stay true to who they are.

They don’t just change with the times.

Sure, maybe in some instances people can change, such as learning to use a computer when you grew up on a typewriter or getting the hang of operating a cell phone when your rotary telephone worked just fine.

Yes, we adjust to more modern conveniences, such as using an air fryer rather than a deep fryer, or owning a cappuccino machine rather than a standard coffee pot.

But as far as who we are on the inside and what we believe in — our values, our character — that never really changes.

Despite there being facial enhancements you can have done today, including botox or laser treatments which reduce or remove wrinkles, I can almost guarantee my grandparents wouldn’t have even contemplated having that done.

They were old school.

I love old school.

You see, they were content in being with each other. They were happy and never really put much emphasis on their appearance when they grew older.

Instead, they focused on their family and on each other.

That’s the way it should be.

I miss them. Terribly.

I also miss my dogs. Still. Age will never change that.

Anyway, I have seen those black-and-white images of my grandparents when they were young.

She was exceptionally beautiful and he was absolutely gorgeous. The way most people strive to look in today’s world.

However, for them, it came naturally.

They made a lovely couple … both inside and out.

Someone once said that beauty fades.

And, for the most part, that is true. People never remember that. Instead, younger generations often look at seniors and simply see someone who possesses gray hair, wrinkles and not wearing the latest fashions.

They cannot see how each once looked when they were young and beautiful.

But they will learn in time.

Beauty does fade.

And people’s priorities change. Eventually.

Again, I only knew my grandparents when they were around the age of double nickels.

They had greying hair and some wrinkles. And that is the way I will always remember them.

Does anyone even remember their grandparents any other way?

I wonder about that sometimes.

When we think about our grandma, do you not tend to picture the image of an older, kind, wise and loving woman who made you cookies and set the kitchen table where you ate dinner together as a family unit?

I sure do.

I cannot think of her any other way.

But I have learned something along the way.

I have learned in my 54 years that there comes a time when you become comfortable enough around someone that there is no longer the need to try to impress them anymore.

A person will come along one day and suddenly, we will find ourselves being able to be who we truly are rather than worrying about what they may think of us. We can be ourselves around them.

Always.

Perhaps that is the reason why we let our hair turn gray and why we opt to wear whatever makes us comfortable, rather than being fashionable.

Perhaps that is why we forego the makeup and instead, focusing on what is truly important.

And it certainly isn’t our reflection in the mirror. We no longer need to take selfies all the time and post them to as many platforms as we possibly can.

We learn looks aren’t that important and what is are the people we love the most.

It’s funny how my grandparents are still teaching me things despite the fact they have been gone for decades.

But I’ll take it.

Each and every time.

I have learned in my 54 years that no matter what type of music genres may come and go, no matter how many songs will be made or produced, two of my all-time favorites will always be the Everly Brothers’ “Bye Bye Love,” and Stephen Bishop’s “On and On.”

I have learned in my 54 years that despite the millions of performers, Meatloaf will always be my favorite.

I have learned fall will always be my favorite season. Always.

I have learned to be grateful for everything I have and not to take anything for granted. Ever. For what we have been given can just as easily be taken away.

I have learned that every week, there are those of you who faithfully read this little corner of the newspaper. And I truly thank you for that.

Perhaps I will be here when it is time once again write about another birthday … turning double nickels. After all, it is (hopefully) only just a matter of blinks away.

(Stenger is the community editor of the Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times. She can be contacted at jstenger@heraldstaronline.com.)