In the Mirror Dimly

Heading into the laundry room I took a look in the floor length mirror on the door.

And I saw myself.

Caught off guard, I forgot there was a mirror there, and when I glanced to my right, my reflection caught me by surprise.

For the first time in a long time, I took a good look at myself.

I didn't see water-spot stains, or gunky counters. There was no list of things to do or predisposed thoughts projected in front of me. No child demanding this or that to steal me out of this moment.

Just me.

Me with star-bursts radiating from the corners of my eyes, signs of a life of smiles.

But all in all, not that different.

I'd kind of forgotten, under all this mother, all this life, I'm still here.