When did the springtime of youth turn into the raging storm of old age? 

When did the bounce with every step change to the shuffling of slippers?

When did I get old? Why didn't I see it coming? I looked into the mirror to shave or jokingly count the wrinkles, which eventually became like road maps to my life. I still laugh, but it's not the laugh I had when I was young. It once came from deep within my heart, and now you must listen for it or look into my eyes and see the silent laughter. Growing older lets some memories fade away, but blessed are we who can still reach back into our past and smile.

Mike 2024