Thanks for the...compliment?

This past weekend, at a memorial service,  I was reacquainted with a number of people I haven't seen in almost  30 years. One such person was a man who was probably a boy of 12 the last time I saw him, when I was about 22. We looked at each other briefly and introduced ourselves. "Hi, Richard! Nice to see you again!", I say. He has some grey hair now and he's well... a middle aged man! He smiles at me and says, "Hi there, Aneta. I remember you. It's been a long time. You're still recognizable."

Umm... is that good?  I chuckled and took it as a compliment.  I'm not naive, however. After almost 30 years, I KNOW I've changed a lot. But then, so has every other acquaintance I saw at the gathering.

I think what Richard said is a little more honest than the 'standard line' I got at my 33rd high school reunion last summer. You know the one:  'you haven't changed a bit!' ...

...as I looked around at everyone else who had changed more than just a bit! MY line was "You look great!!", because - honestly - most people did.We all try to look our best as the wrinkles and extra weight become a part of our reality.

Aging is a funny thing, really. We all try to slow it down, but it keeps marching along, oblivious to the frantic actions attempting to stop it in its tracks.

I'm beginning to accept the fact that, although I'm not OLD, I am getting older.. as in I'm Not Young Anymore. One day I'll totally accept it, and maybe even embrace this aging process. Maybe. It may take another 30 years, though.