Reflecting upon My Reflection

When did it happen? I used to see a young man in the mirror. And I noticed today that he was old.

Has it been that long since I paid attention to him? His beard is mostly gray. The last time I looked, there were just a few streaks of silver. And I do not recall seeing so many lines in his face. His eyes appear different too. They are a bit faded with age.

I have to use my reading glasses to see him properly, but when I do, I take them back off in disbelief. No way is that me! The time could not have gotten away from me like that.

One day I was going to my father for advice and now I am the one everyone comes to. But hard as I try I don’t seem to remember how the transition occurred. When my wife talks to people, (about what “Dad” is doing) she now refers to me. For the life of me, I wonder what is going on!

How could the years have passed by so quickly and silently? Before long, one my children will be a father, but I have a hard time remembering at what point he became a man.

How could father time have crept up on me and taken away so much? One day I was on the floor playing with my kids and the next thing I knew, they were all grown with lives of their own.

I must have a talk with this man in my mirror and find out why. I may not like what I hear, but it is something that I must do. So I walk up to him, and I begin to speak.

Me: Who are you?

Man in the mirror: I am what you have become.

Me: Why didn’t you warm me that this would happen?

Man in the mirror: I did, but you refused to listen. I warned you, every time you shaved or brushed your teeth. I told you about it, as you got ready for each and every graduation ceremony. But you ignored me.

Me: I guess there is no sense in feeling sorry for ourselves huh?

Man in the mirror: No.

Me: So what should we do?

Man in the mirror: Oh so now you finally what advice from me huh?

Me: Yes, and by the way, nobody likes a smart alike reflection

Man in the mirror: OK, let’s settle down. Fighting will not solve anything.

Me: You are right; I need to know what to do!

Man in the mirror: Appreciate everything that you have. Savor every moment! You know how time slows when you look at the clock frequently?

Me: Yes.

Man in the mirror: Start looking at the clock more often. And every time you do, remind yourself that it is moving and you need to enjoy the things you have TODAY, because tomorrow is not guaranteed.

Me: That seems too simple!

Man in the mirror: It is simple. It has been simple. And forever and a day, it will be simple!

Me: OK, then what?

Man in the mirror: What you mean then what? I just told you. Are you getting senile as well as old? I am not going to tell you again!

Me: Hey, let me remind you that I can take that mirror down at any time and throw you in the trash!

Man in the Mirror: Oh yeah, well just try it mister! I dare you!

Well, as you can see I tried very hard to communicate with this man in the mirror and I did get some descent advice. “Start looking at the clock more often. And every time you do, remind yourself that it is moving and you need to enjoy the things you have TODAY, because tomorrow is not guaranteed.”

Those certainly are words to live by. I just he wasn’t such a jerk!

Man in the mirror: (in the background) “I heard that!”

Me: “OK, Sorry about that.”

I wonder if he is related to that little voice that has such a nasty disposition. Sheeesh! This has been “Reflecting upon My Reflection”, brought to you by a “man in the mirror” with an attitude.