on the outside- not so much. It's like this: when my kids ask me to do things- like cartwheels- for example, I am quick to say, "Oh yeah. I can do that." I am not lying (technically), because in my mind I can totally see myself doing those things.

So let's do take cartwheels as a case in point. Not so long ago, my daughter Sophia was obsessed with learning how to do a cartwheel. We happened to be in my parents' yard one sunny afternoon when she asked me, "Mom, will you please show me how to do a cartwheel?" I never gave a thought before I planted my hands on the ground and propelled myself upward. Now, it is interesting to note (with hindsight) that approximately mid-way through my defiance of aerodynamics or thermodynamics or whatever that I thought, "BIG mistake." Unfortunately for me the law of physics had pretty much sealed my fate. I was able to complete the cartwheel, but my body protested- strongly. My heart was beating at an alarmingly rapid pace- and I have low blood pressure! My legs and thighs, well, honestly? The last time they felt like that was immediately preceded by natural childbirth.

I was stunned. At what point had my body betrayed me? When had it quit going in various directions with nary a twinge? When had I become old? It must have happened when I wasn't looking. But I will say one thing: Sophia was suitably impressed with this "old" momma!

Labels: cartwheels, forever young, growing old