Page 8 - October 2020 Voices

COVER STORY

“Of course, she’s 10 years or so older than me they age” and got lots of hits for Benjamin
and now she looks 15 years younger!” Button syndrome (and the movie of the same

name). I read everything . . . but it didn’t seem to
“Wait—she’s older than you? But, no offense, fit. Further down the page, I found a reference to
you look old.” Merlin Sickness—where someone gets younger
as they age but their memory is messed up.
“You didn’t have to say it like that. You’re no Could Phyllis have Merlin Sickness? The

spring chicken yourself.” sickness is named after King Arthur’s famous
wizard Merlin.
“Sorry, I meant to say that Phyllis looks . . . Phyllis is a wizard when it comes to all that

uh, much younger . . . than you.” she does. Just thinking about her contributions
makes me tired: editor-in-chief of Voices!, post-
“Careful.” production magician for all the videos that are
posted on the District’s YouTube channel, post-

“Hmm, yeah that still didn’t sound good. production genius on TV Toastmasters shows
But you are the one who said it first—Phyllis is for local access cable, workshop presenter, guest
looking younger.” speaker at clubs across the District, mentor to
District leaders past and present, champion for
“Yeah, I wonder how she does it?” Club building activities across the state, and

she works full time in flu shot clinics! Sheesh,
That conversation has echoed through my I need a nap just thinking about all of that . . .
head for the last week. Phyllis is looking younger and I am sure that I missed much of what she

each year. That is the ultimate compliment, really does.
right? Someone says that and others think it is It’s like she is gaining energy, and her
rank flattery. That they are trying to suck up youthful good looks, because she is drawing
to the person for some favor or other benefit. them from her involvement in Toastmasters.

Well, that doesn’t hold true for two reasons: Then another comment from a different
1. Phyllis wasn’t in the conversation so the Toastmaster friend solidified it all.
other person’s attempt at flattery was “You know, I am worried about you,” my
poorly planned. friend said. “You are looking much older than

2. I did some research. your age lately. Are you under lots of stress?”
So, I Googled (where else do you go to do That’s when the light dawned on me. I knew
meaningful research?) “who gets younger as exactly why Phyllis is looking so much younger

8 ONE COMMUNITY