Reflections on the Road: Unveiling the Promise of Age

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I saw an old man today.

The sun broke through the clouds, driving away the morning mist and casting speckled shadows on the road ahead. My three overly excited dogs were pacing in the back of my SUV, anticipating their morning romp and river swim. Their eyes gleamed excitedly as their heads hung out the window, tongues lolling. They couldn’t wait to dive headfirst into the day’s adventure.

I spotted a man walking his little dog just ahead as we rounded a bend. He was crossing the road at a slow, measured pace. He was an old man, his back slightly stooped from the weight of years and a slight limp in his step, which no doubt spoke volumes of untold stories. Despite his age, a resilience about him drew my attention. His eyes twinkled with a spark of life, untouched by the ravages of time.

What really caught my eye, however, was the cap he wore. A weathered US ARMY VETERAN cap that bore an uncanny resemblance to the one sitting on my own head. A slight shiver passed through me as I realized the mirror that life was showing me.

As we approached, the dogs wagged their tails happily, sending a flurry of barks in the old man’s direction. He paused in his tracks, a warm smile spreading across his weather-beaten face. He raised a hand in acknowledgment, his eyes meeting mine in an understanding glance. A subtle nod, a shared camaraderie.

In that instant, I was struck by the clarity of my own reflection in this stranger. It wasn’t just the cap and the dog; it was the spirit behind it. Perhaps a decade into the future, I saw myself as a stooped old man with an evergreen smile, walking his little dog. The realization was sobering yet strangely comforting.

Driving on, I felt a quiet contemplation settle over me. It wasn’t dread or fear; it was a newfound understanding. The river in the distance glittered invitingly, and the dogs yelped in anticipation. And I, with my US Army Veteran cap and younger heart, smiled. I was realizing my age these days, but with it, I was also realizing my place in the cycle of life. Age may stoop my back or give me a limp, but it wouldn’t take away my spirit. I’d be that old man, crossing roads, waving at drivers, and sharing smiles with young-at-heart dogs.

Because I saw me today, I saw the grace of growing older, the beauty of living through many decades, and the strength of carrying experiences. I saw the future in a stooped old man’s smile and welcomed it with open arms.

Yes. I saw an old man today. I saw me today.

Dedicated to my friend Nancy.

About Post Author

Professor Mike

Professor Mike is a left-leaning, dog loving, political junkie. He has written dozens of articles for Substack, Medium, Simily, and Tribel. Professor Mike has been published at Smerconish.com, among others. He is a strong proponent of the environment, and a passionate protector of animals. In addition he is a fierce anti-Trumper. Take a moment and share his work.

professormike05@gmail.com