I GOT CALLED “GRANNY” AT WORK—NOW I’M QUESTIONING EVERYTHING

1. A Joke That Stung
I started getting gray hairs at 34—just a streak near my temple that my partner called my “storm stripe.” At 38, the silver spread. I never dyed it; I just didn’t care enough. But that changed when I heard Jamal from accounting joke, “Ask Granny over there, she’s been around since the faxes.” Everyone laughed. I didn’t.

After that, a younger coworker began calling me “Ma’am” in this exaggerated, awkward way. My age suddenly felt louder than my contributions at work.

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2. The Mystery Gift
A day later, I found a small, unmarked box on my desk. Inside: a hand-crocheted gray beanie with midnight-blue flecks, and a card that read, “Wear your crown with pride.”

I didn’t know whether it was a dig or a kind gesture. I thought of my mom’s recent selfie—smiling with her natural gray streaks—and felt a strange peace. That night, I tried on the hat. It actually looked…good.

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3. Owning It
The next morning, I wore the beanie to work. Jamal apologized: “I didn’t mean to disrespect you.” I replied, “Just…call me by my name, okay?” Tyrese also admitted he didn’t realize “Ma’am” might sting.

No one claimed the gift, but someone cared. That small act helped me embrace what I’d been avoiding.

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4. Sparkles of Life
In the days that followed, I wore my silver hair more comfortably. A stranger emailed, “Heard you got a new hat, looks good on you.” Then the address vanished.

Still, the message was clear: “Wear your sparkles proudly,” my mom had texted. And I did. Because aging isn’t something to hide—it’s something you wear with quiet pride.