the stranger in the mirror

for years now, I haven't recognized the face in the mirror. somehow, I still envisioned myself the old "me," -- fit, thin, happy, attractive. I wouldn't let anyone take my photo anymore because I didn't want proof that I had changed.

but just this morning, I caught a glimpse of someone I used to know. there she was again and it's almost as if she was never gone. of course, the years of pain have left a few scars, but underneath the scars is an old familiar friend.