Lines on My Face

I teach piano and voice to several boys who are on the autism spectrum.  At Halloween they all noticed the mat that said “wipe your witchy feet” and took it literally.  Their way of telling it like it is thrills me, especially since my mother’s side has a bunch of men on the autism spectrum.  But last week I had my most favorite moment with a 6 year old.

“WHAT are all those LINES on your face?”  he asked, with his face about 5 inches from mine.

I took out my lipstick mirror and looked.  Maybe I had some chocolate smeared on my face from lunch.  I saw my same face, nothing tricky.  I tried to see it from his perspective.

“Oh, you mean those lines down the side of my mouth?”

“YES,” he hollered, all concerned.

“It’s lines from old age.  You will get them too when you get old.” He turned happily back to his music.

Unlike a lot of women, I am not bothered by the lines on my face.  Before I had them, I did not have the wisdom I have today.  The young me spoke too rashly and got angry too often.  The old me can help people with their decisions and angst and know that I will not steer them wrong.

Out of the mouth of babes is a fabulous saying.  Here are two more. 

Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.   Chili Davis

Do not regret growing older.  It is a privilege denied to many.   Anonymous