When I graduated college and got my first job with a real salary, I felt like I was getting old.
When I adopted my first pet, actually signed the paperwork and took him to the vet on my own, I felt like I was getting old. When I lived completely alone for the first time, no roommates, no parental support, when I paid all of my own bills and did my dishes only if I felt like it, because there was no one else to complain about it, I felt like I was getting old. When I called AT&T to complain about our service and the DVR malfunctioning, (I have to keep caught up on my sit-coms) I felt old. When my friends started having parties at 2:00 PM so that it wouldn't interfere with nap or bedtime schedules, I really felt like I was getting old. But nothing was as much of a wake up call as what happened this morning. After rolling out of bed and stepping over the dog on the floor, I went to the bathroom and washed my face. Looking at myself in the mirror, I pulled out the makeup remover and grabbed a wad of toilet paper to get the remnants of mascara off. I dropped 3 drops out of the bottle and rubbed under my eyes. I looked into the mirror, dropped 3 more drops out of the bottle, and rubbed under my eyes again. I looked into the mirror, dropped 3 more drops out of the bottle, and furiously rubbed under my eyes one last time. I stood in front of the mirror, hands flat on the counter, and, squinting, moved my face closer and closer to examine what was happening. Slowly the words fell out of my mouth, "That's not mascara, those are my eyes." Is this how it happens? One day you just wake up and notice that your face has changed? Next I'm clipping coupons and wearing foam curlers to the store? I'm trading in Toms for orthopedic non-slip soles? Listening to Rod Stewart and talking about the good old days? (Actually, confession: I love Rod Stewart, so that part I can live with.) Is this how it happens?
8 Comments
3/7/2017 12:06:05 pm
I remember looking in the mirror and noticing that my eyes seemed to have suddenly become droopy, that part that showed the full view of the eyelids had changed. All those other things you mentioned happened too, but I'm not sure I noticed. Change happens, yes, it does, but there are things I love too, like grandchildren.
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Jennie B
3/7/2017 12:07:06 pm
This is so well written! I love how started with all of the times you felt old before sharing this small slice of life. And the ending was perfect!
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I love this! The Golden Girls reference caught my attention first, to be honest, but you crafted a beautiful slice today. I think we all have those moments that catch us off guard and we realize that something has changed. You set it up and shared your heart beautifully.
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Kelly Dennis
3/7/2017 03:49:31 pm
1. You are hilarious!
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Amanda Regan
3/7/2017 11:35:06 pm
Yep, that is exactly how it happens! I still get startled in the morning when I look in the mirror and see someone who looks an awful lot like my mom staring back at. Of course, the sad truth is it's me. Great post!
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3/8/2017 05:20:39 am
I have been feeling the same way lately, and yes, it creeps up on you. One day it just hits you!
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3/8/2017 11:52:22 am
Oh my gosh, stop it! This is hilarious. I can just see you there, squinting and getting closer and closer to the mirror. Ha ha ha ha.
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Robyn
3/8/2017 05:32:39 pm
I am glad I'm not the only one who doesn't always take all their make-up off before bed:)
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Author5th grade teacher, wife, mama to my 3 magical babies, ally, advocate, doggy foster mom... just stumbling on. Archives
March 2022
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