Growing older is an irrevocable thrust of nature which the body accepts more readily than the mind. It happens so gradually that not until the slowly weakening muscles of the face give up their resistance to the downward pull of gravity do we look into the mirror and notice that the once smooth complexion has "wrinkled" and realize that age has crept upon us unawares. Realization in the brain behind the face comes more as a shock than a prepared response. Somehow, we haven't seen it coming, not even when the world around us begins according us more respect and gently culls us from the younger herd until we find ourselves standing rather more outside than inside the fray.

A Silverfox is born at this moment of truth. Where does he go from here? If he's lucky, he will stumble into Ben Boxer's Silverfoxes Clubhouse and discover that, his wrinkles notwithstanding, or his pot belly or his bald head or his bottomed-out behind, he has entered a domain where he is not just a welcome but also a highly honored guest.

Now the mental adjustment begins with questions sounding somewhat like the opening narration in a soap opera back in radio days: "Oh, this poor guy, once proud and standing tall, now humbled by encroaching age, feeling vulnerable and alone, now stepping in more cautious tread, fearful of the way ahead, will he find love? Will he forever be alone? Has his life ended? Is it over, guy? Is life is, or is it was? Stay tuned! And, now, a word from our sponsor!"

We hear a slight cough as someone steps to the microphone. "Ahem, Ben Boxer here, for the Clubhouse Gang. We've got it all, or will have soon. Today, though, we are featuring the Personals. You'll find the click label in the Lobby just inside the main door. Enjoy!"

Organ music in the background crescendos and then fades as we hear the voice of the new Silverfox say: "Wow, this is some joint. A handshake gets me into the Message Boards or the Silverfoxes Chat Lounge. And what are those red shorts hanging on the line? Is this laundry day? Oops! Hey, they get me into Boxer's Shorts! Hehe! Well, hell, he ain't so hot. I hope Ben Boxer's not the only game in town! Whoa! What have we here?"

An organ glissando suggests something exciting just came into view.

The new Silverfox speaks again: "Gosh, what's that? Some kind of treasure box? Hmmmmm. Per.... Son... Hmmmmm. Personals? What if I click here?"

Sound of a click, then a chorus of welcomes is broken by cries of "Glad you're here!" and "Been waiting for you!" and "The young ones are right over there!" and "If you like them older, e-mail me!" and "Drop me a line!" and "Hey, buddy, I like my men old!"

Our new Silverfox has no further adjustment to make. His mind and his body are both in the right place: Ben Boxer's Silverfoxes Clubhouse, on a Personals page.

He is now part of the Clubhouse Gang.