Our self-image is often so very different than as others may perceive us. This morning’s shower revealed much more to me than the usual shock of middle-agedness. I am an addict and so am marked. My arms reveal tracks of Nicoderm patch residue built up over the past several days and that I hadn’t noticed (not unusual when one is in the bifocular stage of life). It took severe scrubbing to eliminate most of the telling lines, and I think I’m glad it’s autumn and wear long sleeves.
Though you may notice that I often mention showering, it is because it is often one of the most fruitful times of thought and reflection. I waste no time as downtime. At least two things are always going on simultaneously. It is my plan to best use the time I’m given, so in the end, I’ve led a double life.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology