I l-o-v-e love love this quote by Japanese writer Haruki Murakami.

He says, “ I always thought that people grow old gradually. But no, people get old in a flash.” Aging did not come from the first wrinkle, not the first strand of white hair but from the instant you give up on yourself. Only people who do not give themselves up, not find old age. Aging might come in numbers but not his or her aura. The heart of a child can stop one from growing old.”

Getting old in a flash—— I can certainly resonate with that.

As I read this quote, I recounted how my heart hardened in an instant, how I coerced myself to do things that might not be me, how I bit my teeth and forced myself into positions.

In a flash certainly.

So much journey so many experiences, processed in my mind —— in a flash.

How old have I grown in a flash?

As I saw these flashbacks, I want to offer much love and light to the girl who grew so old so old in those flashes.

But I look at my face.

It does not give any clue to what depth and breadth of life’s experiences I have gone through.

So many times I have done interviews with top CEOs and talents in their respective fields and they would talk to me in a condescending manner. They were obviously disturbed a young girl like me would be sent to speak with them.

I hated their look.

I m older than you think —— was what went on in my head.

But now, I love my face even more.

Huaihao always holds my face with both hands when he is drowsy and about to sleep and would caress my face.

I love how his small hands fit and hold me together. It’s almost like my brokenness instantly puts itself together.

That’s the power of his little hands.

I remind myself to be a better person and to do better because I have him and I want him to be proud of me