I'm entering that time of life when the image in the bathroom mirror occasionally startles in an unsettling way when I look bleary eyed at the vaguely familiar reflection which greets me first thing in the morning. When did I start looking like that? I say to myself inwardly shaking my head while fondly recalling a more youthful version that I'm still (Yup it's still there!) clutching under my arm.
Yes, I don't recognize my arms either. The skin on my forearms now links me with older women in the family - my mom and my grandma in their middle years. I don't need another birthday. Why didn't I notice until now?
And yet there's a tiny little tyke of the female gender which recently emerged from the dusty crawlspace of my middle school and high school years where she had retreated unbeknownst to me much too long ago.
Better yet I'm quite comfortable with the idea that human beings do not necessarily require one's bona fide date of entry into the world in order to bequeath to themselves a second chance - new perspective. While we can't go back the womb and redo babyhood, the fresh eyes we can bring to our lives, families and shared communities is a unexpected gift too precious and valuable to be ignored.
10 comments:
This is wonderfully written, Mizu. Anyone who reads it will give pause to think in depth about what you have revealed.
My brother remarked near the end of his life that it was alarming when he would look in the mirror and see our dad staring back at him.
This is a beautiful, beautiful piece, Mizu. It particularly struck me because I, too, have recently noticed the crinkling of my forearm skin.
Couldn't have said it better, Misu! This little many-layered essay will make "nodders" of any
40+ reader. This appears to be a good site for sharing like "words of insight" - thanks for sharing!
Chick
Paradox, humor and change -- the only rules of existence. Paradox - Life is a mystery. Don't waste time and energy trying to understand it. Humor - keep the capacity to laugh at ourselves. Change - the only constant of the universe. (Paraphrased from Peaceful Warrior.) At our age, Mizu, it seems we finally take notice of the changes. Thank your for our shared history.
Mizu, this is so beautiful on so many levels. I admire your talent and thoughtfulness.
If we could self-parent, with the unconditional love and guidance we've always tried to give our children, we can keep growing...no matter the crinkly bits...and the falling-off of parts, etc. Each day we are new and free to reinvent it all.
That's how your beautiful work resonates with me, Mizu. Thank you.
Mizu... wonderfully done... I love all your work, and this piece...
touches so beautifully on our ability to come to understand and accept ourselves and then more clearly recognize our common humanity and our unity with all living things...
WONDERFUL THINKING... WONDERFUL WRITING
thank you
I am late to the party on this one but wanted to throw in my 2 cents. Great post. Beyond great really. I am now 40 something and part of this distinguished club!
I've enjoyed very much hearing from you all!
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