by Cj Luddeni

Created on: July 21, 2009

Maturing, growing older and gaining valuable wisdom. Ah, the things I have seen, the changes that have taken place in my lifetime. The human achievements made by man, the medical breakthroughs, the leaps in technology. So much has changed for the better in my lifetime. But, as I gaze in the mirror this morning, I can't help but wonder, what the heck happened to me?

It seems like just yesterday I was 20 years old. What happened?

I remember having muscle mass, a lean mean young man who could run, and bend, I see my muscles have somehow moved to my mid section, but the journey must have been a rough one, they have become soft and squishy instead of hard.

I could go a day without eating, a night without sleeping. I could work a double shift, go out with friends, then get up and do it again. I am sure I could see for miles and hear sounds from across the town. I was a Super-Man. where did all my super powers go?

Something changed when I slept last night.

My body aches from sleeping, my knees are cracking when I bend them. My full head of hair, where could it have gone? It appears it has migrated from my head to living in my ears and my nostrils. I think a few have migrated to my eyebrows as well because I sometimes find an odd one or two sticking up at odd angles.

My memory used to be as sharp as a tack. Now I can't recall what I had for breakfast or why I am standing in the garage.

I can't stay up past midnight anymore without being sleepy the next day.

If I cut the lawn today, I will be stiff and sore tomorrow.

I remember sitting quiet and reading for hours, now I can't sit long because; my joints will stiffen and ache. I find that I need binoculars and have to sit directly under the sun to see the tiny print on the pages. When did they start to print everything so small?

I used to be excited when the phone rang or when someone would just stop by to talk or just hang out. Now I don't want to talk on the phone, nor do I like when anyone just stops by. I'm not a recluse, but I value my privacy.

My knees used to function like powerful pistons when I ran, now they click loudly when I sit or stand.

My once proud beard and mustache have gone from jet black, to a salt and pepper, to a snow-covered field.

When did my face pick up luggage under my eyes? I don't remember them taking a trip. And what about my chin? Or should I say chins, luckily I have developed a spare, or is it two? Either way I am protected in the event one disappears like my hairline did.

Yes sir, growing old sure has its advantages. Only, I haven't discovered any yet.

Learn more about this author, Cj Luddeni.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.