Reflections In the Mirror

Age 6….. Passing the mirror, she pulls at her cheeks, sticks out her tongue— blonde ringlets encircle a freckled face. 13….. The mirror beckons— She stops to preen, hating wavy hair that tumbles into her eyes… She wonders, “Am I pretty?” 18….. A young lady, ready to meet life’s challenges reflected now— Anxious to leave home, and parent rules. 24….. A bride in white, smiling at her reflection in the mirror— Mother, in the doorway, proudly holds her veil. 30….. Carpooling, PTA, soccer games, late dinners— this is her world… No time to fret over crow’s feet in the mirror. 40….. Does life begin at 40? The mirror doesn’t lie… Maturity shows in her face. Was ‘Self’ lost between motherhood and mid-life? 50….. She discovers his affair… Tearfully calls Mom— Can she forgive? Out of shape, distraught, she sobs in front of the mirror. 60….. Freedom, a time to just BE! Comfortable in her own skin— with time to pursue her own wants and needs. Life is good! 70….. Passing the hall mirror in her usual flurry, she glimpses her likeness, suddenly realizing— she’s the image of her mother. Tamara Hillman ©2006