The Best Age to Become a Vampire

I'm nearly finished with the fourth book of the Twlight teen vampire love series. And my daughter asked me the other night what it would feel like to die and would I choose everlasting life like the Tuck family in Tuck Everlasting. Both of these events have led me to consider this: What would be the best age to be bitten by a vampire?

Interestingly, I don't think it would be now, in my 40s. While I'm certain I'm more self-aware at this age than any other, and I wouldn't trade the opportunity to be with the kids at ages 10, 9, and 5. But the early 40s can be tough, with hormonal and physical changes that really aren't very attractive. The old grey mare...

So what about those college years? They were something to remember. I still envy the UVM co-eds on Church Street in Burlington with their cell phones, skinny jeans, and waists. Not many responsibilities beyond what's happening that day.

The 20s? Probably not. They were fun but self-centered years with little sense of self, in retrospect.

The 30s? They were good. Time for babies with a body that didn't yet droop too much. I see moms on Church Street with their babies in their front packs, enjoying a lunch and no demands of a profession. Too bad I didn't know then what I know now -- about how luxurious it is just to spend a day with your baby, completely focused on their needs activities. I think these are the years in which I would want to be bitten. You still feel (and look) young, and you still have loads of energy.

So would I really choose everlasting life? Mia thought she would because "there are so many beautiful things to see and do in the world." I told her I would choose it too, but today, I don't really think I would. I wouldn't want to give up the chance to do and see all those things with a lifetime of experience, knowledge, and insight behind me. So in my future days, please remind me that life doesn't have to head downhill after 40. Those 30s were great, but maybe the 50s will be even greater. It really could be a completely exhilarating uphill climb until the peak. Let's hope so.

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