Today, I took my mom to an appointment with a new rheumatologist. I am kind of my mom’s ears during doctors’ appointments… listening carefully and sometimes even taking notes. I understand how very difficult it must be to be 83 (almost 84!) and have to process everything, often not knowing how “good” or how “bad” the news may be.
Today, the news was all good. Yes, my mom is riddled with arthritis, but because of exercising her entire life (my mom is the total original exercising woman… and I remember this from the time I was a very young child), the prognosis is rather good, even given the severity of her arthritis. Her new rheumatologist did a thorough exam… neck, back, hands, legs, knees, ankles, toes.
And, interestingly enough, it was my mom’s ankles that brought back a beautiful memory from my childhood. Well, it involves my mom’s ankles and my dad’s adoration of my mom’s ankles. Yes. It’s true. My dad adored my mom… all of her. But I remember him telling her how beautiful her ankles were. And, you know what? My mom does have lots of beautiful things… but today I truly realized just how lovely her ankles really are. I know it may sound strange to say, but her ankles are the perfect transition from calf to foot. My mom is tiny (today she measured 4′ 7″… no, I did not type that incorrectly), but everything about her tininess is consistent. So her tiny ankles are perfectly tiny and shapely. Of course, being a woman and all, my mom doesn’t think much on her body is perfect…
This got me thinking about women and their bodies and self-image and moms and daughters and granddaughters… and I thought, “Hmm. What is my favorite part of my body?”
OK. I have one. This is not to say that I think this body part is perfect… but it is my favorite. I think there’s a big difference between perfect and favorite. Don’t you?
Anyway. I am not going to tell you my favorite part of my body. Until you tell me your favorite part of yours.
Think about this. What is your favorite part of your body? If you want, ask around. Well, not too much around. But in the end, let’s talk about our favorite parts… and why. Come on, you can do it! “Let me hear your body talk. Your body talk!”
I think it’s the crows’ feet around my eyes. It’s not that they’re beautiful, but they fit my face at age 56 and they tell the story of a lived life.
I first noticed them in a photo of my husband and me taken about six years ago. It’s a black & white photograph, and we both look our age, which is okay, I think. We both look happy, wrinkles and all, and isn’t that great?
I’ve earned those crows’ feet.
This is going to take a little thinking. I’ve never considered a favorite body part. I’ll get back to you.
Okay, after some thought, I think it’s my eyes. Not the crow’s feet, but the color. I use to say they were yellow and not like them. My mother has always said they were lovely hazel and over the years, I’ve learned to believe her. They are definitely a unique color. Today, my favorite body part is my eyes. Ask me tomorrow and it could be different.
This one is really making me think! I used to say my stomach, back in the days when it was flat and not covered with stretch marks, but it hasn’t been nice in a LONG time. So if I’m going to be honest here, I’d have to go with cleavage.;) Up until I got pregnant with Luke, I was a B-cup and so natural cleavage was out of the question for me. By the time I was 8 weeks pregnant with him, I went up two cup sizes, and all of a sudden, hello boobies! Sometimes I miss being smaller, but I have to admit, I like how they fill out a v-neck shirt.;)
My favorite body part is my mouth. It’s not perfectly heart shaped or especially full, but when I have my lipstick on, I feel pretty (even when everything else about me is a mess).
You know this will be a tough one for me! I am my body’s own worst critic. I guess I would have to say my eyes. They are either green or blue or green/blue, depending on what I’m wearing or the light. And with the right make-up on, they are big and bright.
It’s my boobs. I like having big boobs =) LOL
I would have to say my ankles also. They are the skinniest part of my body. My daughter was upset growing up cause she inherited kankles (sp?) from my husband’s side. I sometimes wonder how my skinny ankles can hold up all my weight. I also like my eyes and lips, but that’s it!
I would have to say my shoulders. They have always been broad – and there have been times I just hated it… you know, when I was about 10 and looked like (or felt like) an American Gladiator. Now – I love them. I feel confident holding them back and have embraced them!
xoxoxo
Audrey
P.S. I forgot to also say that I sometimes go with my mom to be her ears and take notes. Aren’t we good daughters?
I’d have to say my thighs. Though they are where I know if I’ve got a few extra pounds, they are also where I carry a lot of muscle. I have great quads and hamstrings. When I see my legs, I see how strong I am.
My DH would probably say my breasts, but they get annoying sometimes 🙂
This is probably the hardest question ever asked! I would typically say I hate everything about my body. I guess if I had to choose one part, it would be my eyes. They are hazel/green. They aren’t stunning or anything, but I like them. They look very green when I wear green shirts. I am Irish after all, so green is good.