Grandchildren can be cruel.

When mine gathered around me on the occasion of my birthday in February, one of them asked me, “How old are you?” I replied reluctantly, but honestly, “Sixty-Six.”

Zellia, almost-5, observed, “Well, that’s not as old as some people at Pickett Place is it?”

I’m not sure that was a compliment.

When she visits my apartment at Pickett Place, she has seen residents in walkers, wheelchairs and scooter chairs. I don’t use one — yet — and ride a bike or walk.

If my granddaughter is right, I am still young in her eyes.

Based on that assumption, I find it safe to say, “When I grow older, I want to be like Kenny.”

They are arguably the most popular couple at Grace Lutheran Church in Austin. Kenny and Eva Schara. Sweethearts in marriage for more than six decades. They are regulars at all services throughout the years. They are members of the church choir, directed by their daughter, Debra.

Always in good spirits, they’re kind of people who make you feel better with a smile and a handshake.

Eva, full or history and opinions, is not shy about raising indignation when it suits her. Kenny, at his wife’s side, is ready to protect and serve ’till death do they part.

Now, nine decades old, Kenny has a secret weapon to fight off life’s doldrums.

He can insulate himself from self-pity and feeling out of touch.

Kenny plays the piano. Not just any kind of music. Kenny Schara plays honky tonk piano.

A couple of Wednesday nights ago, he dazzled a somber Lutheran worship service crowd with a rare medley of songs and received a loud ovation afterwards.

On Monday afternoon, I got to hang out with the piano man, when he took me along to Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin for his monthly gig.

Kenny worked 39 and 1/2 years for Hormel Foods Corporation and walked away with no permanent injuries to his hands. He is self-taught and earned his master’s degree playing the piano at home parties, farm dances, bars, clubs and at home. He has played with other music legends such as Early Weiland.

His playlist of more than 150 songs is tucked away in his mind. Put him at the keyboard of a baby grand piano, and he is as comfortable as he is tickling the ivories of an upright.

His musical style includes honky tonk, ragtime, Scott Joplin, old time and Kenny’s own influence. Whatever it is, it worked wonders again at Sacred Heart Care Center on a Monday afternoon in March.

Promptly at 2 p.m., he adjusted the bench to his satisfaction and the first notes bring life to the upright.

For the next 60 minutes, one song follows another. When he finishes one, the Sacred Heart crowd erupts in applause. Kenny waves a hand to acknowledge his fans and goes back to playing the piano.

The hour passes swiftly. When he is finished, Kenny talks to friends and bodes farewell to so many who thank him and say over and over, “I just love the way you play the piano.”

Anyone who dreads growing older only has to meet Kenny and hear him play the piano, and they will no longer fear the future.

In Kenny’s world, every eye is smiling, every heart singing and every toe tapping.