I have to admit, I feel this way almost every morning when I get a first look at my reflection in the mirror. Who is that old lady? How did she get into my bathroom and why is she here looking at me like that? My first thought is to do a better job of cleaning that mirror. For a while, I used to see the reflection of my mother staring back at me. Now my image has become more wrinkled, eyes have crusty stuff sticking in the corners of them. My hair resembles someone who has just put their finger in an electrical outlet. A drop of drool has dried on the corner of my mouth. Truthfully, it is not a pretty picture. Lately, I try to avoid looking in the mirror until I’ve been up for a few hours. Make that a couple days. Maybe even once a week if necessary. Makeup can help, but I’m getting tired of doing that each day so I might not bother going through the process. It is not fun getting old. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. Our bodies sag, our rear ends drag, our energy lags and we resemble an old bag. Even though all those physical changes are making us crazy, there is hope. It’s called laughter.

They say that laughter is the best medicine and statistics prove that to be true. I don’t know “who” is responsible for saying that, but most likely it was someone in their twenties. I must say, however that a good belly laugh – a semi-funny joke = an upside-down frown can do wonders for a sagging face, wild hair and sticky eyes. That’s why I laugh. Some people think it’s just a natural reflex for me. Since my hearing is also failing, I find myself laughing even though I can’t hear what’s being said. As my grandmother noticed, I laugh and then ask what was said? It can be a challenge, but I just find it easier to laugh when others do, so I fit in somehow. I’ve been accused of being a little crazy, because I laugh so much. Maybe I am, but it’s better than being grouchy or crabby like many elderly folks get over time.

This is our only chance in this life. Why not make the most of it? Enjoy the misspelled or misinterpreted closed captions. Be happy that you still have a few teeth left to chew with. Make fun of yourself. Laugh at yourself. Don’t let life pull you away from your joy. You might find out that even though others think you’re crazy, at least you’ know that you’re happy to be alive.