When I started my morning run, I was a bit concerned because it was still dark outside, and I thought the streets would be completely empty. However, the moment I stepped out, I quickly realized that there were already many people out and about, exercising and running, which made me feel much safer and more at ease.
As I ran, I noticed that in my town, where a lot of elderly ladies live, quite a few of them were out too. They were wearing neat tracksuits and getting some fresh air, probably because they woke up early and couldn’t go back to sleep. When I was younger, seeing elderly people like that didn’t really make me feel anything special. But these days, it’s different. When I see them, I feel like I’m looking at the path I will walk someday, and it gives me a sense of connection and reflection.
Since I was young, many adults used to tell me that I seemed quite mature for my age. They would say I didn’t think like other kids, and sometimes they even called me an “old soul(애늙은이)” Now I’m in my 40s, but sometimes I feel like I’m already in my 60s. And that feeling really hit me last week.
I went to my son’s parent-teacher meeting, and his homeroom teacher told me that he is very kind, polite, and mature beyond his years. Hearing that reminded me of what people used to say about me when I was young.
In the end, just like others once told me that I was mature for my age, now I hear the same kind of things about my son. Watching him grow, being considerate, and hearing others recognize that maturity—it feels like I’m looking at a reflection of myself. At the same time, it makes me feel proud, and also reminds me that life really does come full circle.
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