When I look in the mirror, I see my dad staring back at me. It's a moment in time we think will never overtake us, and when it does we wonder where the kid in the mirror went. In this case he disappeared with the beard!
So happy to find you here. Oh, I have a grudge that I wish I could get rid of with a shave. Funny how time will take some of it away but it still creeps back out of the crevices of our minds. Enjoyed your story.
Really enjoyed this. I've written a bit about my dealing with growing older. Into my body and face. Looking more and more like the parent I am the most distant from.
And it's funny, the vehicles we choose to carry our grudges. The worse being generational. The kind I've seen via some of my husband's side of the family. Such an oddity, secondhand grudges.
Couldn’t agree more with you, Tiffany. They really are such an oddity - that might be the perfect word to describe them. Thank you so much for reading this story!
When I look in the mirror, I see my dad staring back at me. It's a moment in time we think will never overtake us, and when it does we wonder where the kid in the mirror went. In this case he disappeared with the beard!
Beautifully said, Brian. Thank you for reading!
This was gorgeous, Justin. Brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing this today. 💛
Thanks so much for reading, Meg! 🙏
Very artful prose, particularly the last paragraph. Well done!
I really appreciate it, Geoffrey. Thank you!
I imagine many of us have shared a similar feeling of regret when contemplating how we've treated those we've lost. Poignant and touching!
Agreed, Ricki. Thanks so much for the kind words!
Nicely done Justin, a gentle reminder that you don't have unlimited time to come to terms with your loved ones.
So true, Jim. Time is a precious commodity! Thank you very much for reading!
Powerful story, Justin, every word in its perfect place. So much backstory hinted at fully in few words. Well done!
My late father had a beard.
So does my husband.
Thank you, Jenise! I really appreciate you reading my story.
Poignant is the word that comes to mind to describe this one. Beautiful piece, Justin, and a great reminder of how precious time is.
Thank you so much, Claire!
So happy to find you here. Oh, I have a grudge that I wish I could get rid of with a shave. Funny how time will take some of it away but it still creeps back out of the crevices of our minds. Enjoyed your story.
I really appreciate it, Carol, thank you! I’m happy you enjoyed the story. I believe I’ve seen you/your comments over at Jimmy Doom’s Substack.
Hatred and resentment are heart cancer. Better to let them go. Like the beard.
Good story the second reading also. 🤓
Couldn’t agree more, Mark. And thank you! You were one of my original 20-30 subscribers! 😄
So much emotion in such a small space. Nicely done!
Thank you, Amie. I’m happy you enjoyed it!
Really enjoyed this. I've written a bit about my dealing with growing older. Into my body and face. Looking more and more like the parent I am the most distant from.
And it's funny, the vehicles we choose to carry our grudges. The worse being generational. The kind I've seen via some of my husband's side of the family. Such an oddity, secondhand grudges.
Couldn’t agree more with you, Tiffany. They really are such an oddity - that might be the perfect word to describe them. Thank you so much for reading this story!
"On the day he went home from the hospital, his father carried him out alone."
"It was a choice after all."
"It was too late to take it all back."
This is beautiful stuff, Justin. We do not need any more details. It is all here. And we can understand it any way we want. Thank you!
I really appreciate the feedback and kind words, Sharron. Thank you so much! 🙏