Third Place Short Story: Ageing in Style
By: Helen Spencer
I was getting ready for Sunday dinner. My adult children were coming over and I was excited to see them. I put on a pair of jeans and a crisp shirt and as I was putting on my jewelry, I noticed a silver ear cuff; the clips that you place on the upper part of your ear lobe. I had bought the ear cuff but never had the nerve to wear it before. I placed it on my ear, tied my hair back so it clearly showed, and I felt transformed! I felt a little youthful and a little daring too. I really liked it!
Off I went back downstairs to the kitchen, immersing myself in meal preparations. When the family all sat down to dinner, my son noticed and commented on my ear cuff. “Mom, I love your ear cuff.” he said. I just about did a backflip in my chair! Wow, did my son actually like something I was wearing? “I was a little shy to wear it but felt safe wearing it today here at home,” I replied. “Good for you mom!” my daughter chimed in. “You should wear it out too. It suits you,” she said.
After the dishes were done and the kids gone, I tried to understand my positive feelings from such a simple change as an addition of an accessory. I realized that it was really about trying something new and getting outside of my comfort zone. Most of all, it was about growing, even into our ageing years.
So, after this experience, I promised myself that I would continue to age in style, not just in fashion, but in all areas of my life. I decided that I want to keep learning and changing no matter what age I am. Who knows? Maybe I will shock the kids and pleasantly surprise myself over and over again at Sunday dinner. I certainly hope so.
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