Age with beauty

We have this sense of beauty and staying young in our culture, but as I age, I become more and more troubled by what I see. I have noticed so many women turning to botox injections and facial plastic surgery. The problem I have with this great desire to stay looking "young"is that many of these women now look hideous.  Noses don't appear real and mouths and lips become distorted.  In my opinion, these women don't look young and attractive, they look defective, like something had gone terribly wrong.    All this in the pursuit of beauty, I say, bah, Humbug!

Some things actually improve with age.  Take wine for example. I think women who show signs of aging show much beauty.  I remember watching my grandmother smile and looking at all of the wrinkles around her eyes and mouth. Those wrinkles were lines that reflected a rich life.  Women are like fine wine.  They, too, improve with age.  Those lines can tell wonderful stories of joy, sadness, fulfillment and much more.

I volunteer for the hospital thrift shop.  I usually work Saturdays during the day.  One of the women with whom I used to work was ninety-three years old and probably one of the most beautiful women I had ever met.  Ann approached each minute with a sense of joy and ready to dig in at a moment’s notice to do a bit of work.  She was always active and very much on the go, and that sparkle in her blue eyes when she smiled let you know she was thoroughly enjoying herself.

I remember one Saturday when we were working, Ann asked if she could leave a bit early.  She needed to finish mowing her lawn.  Mowing her lawn!  Now mind you, it was a Saturday in June and it was at least ninety degrees outside.  Mow her lawn!  I was thinking about going home and lying in the shade with a big glass of iced tea.  This mowing stuff from a woman who is literally more than twice my age! 

Women like Ann are beautiful to me and serve as role models for younger women.  They are women who have led rich full lives and have enjoyed the ride.  Their eyes twinkle with a love of life.  They keep active, work hard and help others.  And I am proud to be one of those old women!

 


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