14 January 2009

Pep talk

Words of encouragement from a Concordian Husband of Perpetual Parturition: “Everything’s going to sag and wrinkle anyway, so you might as well have something to show for it.”

(He hastened to add that he was speaking only in generalities, for neither time nor gravity could lessen the perennial loveliness of his own bride in his eyes.)

Of course he’s right. The smooth-skinned Cosmo look we’re coached to pursue at all costs is startlingly fleeting. (Not so startling for those of us who remember how quickly we wither.) We’ve all seen the difference between the dignity of aging gracefully and the pathos of clinging desperately to an illusive, elusive covergirl rating.

Hmmm…respected for my battle scars by people I love or ogled by people I don’t even know? When I’m 70, what will I (DV) be carrying in my wallet and insisting on showing you: pictures of my grandkids, or a faded photo of my vain, lonely self in the swimsuit that by then has long gone the way of all flesh anyway?

There you have it. Not terribly profound nor deeply theological—but what’s the alternative, girls?

12 comments:

Esther said...

I heartily agree. Something that has always bugged me is the "tips" in parenting magazines about how to get rid of your stretch marks, how to lesson your c-section scars. Frankly, I'm proud of my stretch marks. I'm proud of my scars. I like to call them my badges of honor. I'm proud of my children. That's what my life is all about.

Rebekah said...

Those husbands sure do say things! :D

I love the idea of carrying a swimsuit pic around. People would be so impressed.

MooreMama said...

Yup. My Wonderful Husband first told me that I look better with that extra 10 pounds (then 20, etc..) and then that the stretch marks and saggy tummy were much less un-attractive than he woulda thought.

He also related that the full-of-milk look is better than any boob job...

Way with words, that one has.

ζωὴν περισσὸν said...

I love the comfort and security of the realization that men are not all the creeps society makes them out to be.

Our husbands are attracted to who we are as a whole person, not just for the outward appearance. The same way we are attracted to them.

Althought there does seem to be a visual element there that I still don't understand, but I'm not complainin'. ;)

Dawn said...

Excellent point, especially as I'm really concerned just now about what might or might not happen to my poor, poor skin.

Untamed Shrew said...

I realize it's not a competition, but I've never seen stretch marks (or sagging skin) worse than mine. EVERY time I'm pregnant people ask if I'm havig twins, starting around 6 months.

Esther said...

What I'm wondering, though, is do the stretch marks really matter? The only people who are going to see them (unless you frequently wear a bikini) is our husbands and our doctors, once a year. Beauty should be more than what's on the surface.

Esther said...

P.S. I meant the doctor only sees our stretch marks once a year. Not our husbands. ;-)

Untamed Shrew said...

They don't matter to my husband. But they matter to me because I have scads of clothes I really want to wear! I'm guessing no one's asked you when your baby's due, when you have a 1-year-old and are not pg.

Reb. Mary said...

I'm never sure whether it makes me feel better, or merely shallow and hence worse, that my husband cherishes the war wounds while I (at least sometimes and briefly) despair over them. :O

Rosie said...

I'm just glad that the paunch I've always had now has an honorable reason for existence. I can finally cite something other than grilled cheese sandwiches and cherry cokes for the less-than-toned look I've been sporting for years. Hooray for Baby!

Rebekah said...

Sporting, and then not sporting, and then sporting, and then not sporting? :D