Aging gracefully
Living in a small town, it seems like every time I decide to make a quick trip to the store when I look my very worst, I see someone I know. After a long weekend at the lake, we came home to an empty fridge and a cat that was extra proud of the puked up hairballs that she presented us with as “welcome home” gifts. 🙂 All that I really wanted to do was plant my butt in the recliner and stay there until bedtime, but we desperately needed groceries. After my repeated hints to my husband did not work (thought he might go for me), my teenage son and I headed out to Wal-Mart. I looked like CRAP, and after a weekend at the lake I assume I smelled just as bad.
OF COURSE, I ran into a former co-worker. Not just a co-worker, this was my former boss. After a bit of chit-chat, he told me that I was looking (or he may have said getting) OLD! Okay, I already know this. Do I have to be reminded? 🙂 🙂
This leads me to a few thoughts on aging…
There is Beauty in Aging
Yes, I am getting older. I received my AARP card in the mail a year ago. I have been through a lot in my 51 years. My first child was born when I was 17 years old. I have been through poverty, infidelity, remarriage, blended family with seven children, guardian to a sister-in-law with Down Syndrome, both parents and sister passed away within 10 months of each other, problems with teenage children, problems with adult children… You name it, I’ve probably been through it on some level. My life has not always been easy, but I have been blessed. I am very fortunate and so many have it worse.
My face IS wrinkled. I have age spots. I realize that I should have cared more about my skin when I was younger. I spent many years in tanning beds or soaking up the sun. Granted, I usually had a box fan blowing on me every time I sunbathed- my friend and I still laugh about that.
After a little skin cancer scare a few months ago,
I am much more aware of the sun. Sunscreen is my friend now.
But back to the wrinkles, fine lines, deep crevices, whatever…. I believe that every wrinkle represents a life experience. I have lived, and I have earned them. Our faces are a road map of the places we have been in our lives. My suggestion to those that are constantly worried about your appearance is to embrace aging! I will spend my time happy (and wrinkled) with memories of good times. This is so much better than constantly worrying about how to preserve youth.
My mother had quite a few wrinkles, and the kindest heart you will ever encounter. I used to worry that I would end up like my mother, and now I hope I do. My face will continue to be filled with experiences that I can share with all of you. I’m enjoying the ride.
