Brown eye (Photo credit: Mommyof4Ruggies)
“I think your whole life shows in your face, and you should be proud of that.”
– Lauren Bacall
I’m not sure I recognize her as I should, that face starting back at me in the mirror. I look away, and then back, fascinated at what reflects back.
A single grey hair erupts from the crown; sparkly against the darkness, it shines in glory and a sort of unexpected grandeur.
You’ve earned this, it whispers.
Looking closely, another strand peeks out from the temple, as if playing a game of hide and seek.
Deep brown eyes stare back at me, protected by long, black lashes. I tilt my chin up just a bit, and they play along, more accustomed to looking down,
but willing to give it a chance.
I remember, don’t you? they cry back.
I flick on the the light and lean in a bit closer.
A crescent shaped line forms around my mouth. Where did that come from?
Has my life been this full of laughter? Or has every smile just etched this deep, unknown to me?
You’ve earned this, it smiles back.
These battle scars, these trophies of my growth, bear witness to a life well lived,
to an adventure of risks and rewards, to love and lasting memories.
This life does show on my face, and yes, I’m proud of that.
Writing reflections inspired by december prompt-a-day with writealm.com.
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Jennifer Wolfe
Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.
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Comments: 7
My Inner Chick
December 5, 2013I agree w/ Emily!!! x
My Inner Chick recently posted…(Easy) Almost Better Than Sex Holiday Dessert
Jennifer Wolfe
December 5, 2013Yes, Kim, yes! I have a feeling you look at yourself the same way I do! ~Jennifer
Emily
December 5, 2013THIS is the way I want to look in the mirror.
Emily recently posted…Writing Fiction
Jennifer Wolfe
December 5, 2013Emily, me too! I don’t fear aging much for the way I look, more for the limitations it puts on our bodies. I don’t want to slow down!
amanda
December 5, 2013it is definitely about the reframing of things – not wrinkles but laugh lines, things we’ve earned by a life well lived.
amanda recently posted…December Prompt-A-Day
Jennifer Wolfe
December 5, 2013Amanda, I love the idea of reframing the way we look at ourselves as we grow older and more accustomed, and proud, of our faces and our selves. Thanks for commenting today. ~Jennifer
Doc
August 7, 2015Knegoldwe wants to be free, just like these articles!