Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Getting Real

My wife did some modeling in the distant past.

It was only for a short while, but she still has a modeling portfolio stashed in her closet somewhere.


I am reluctant to tell anyone this because I know looking at us now, it would be hard to believe.


She also used to wear a bikini at the beach.


We haven't been to a beach in over 20 years. She has taken the kids to a beach for swimming lessons, but for as long as I can remember, she and I haven't lain on the hot sand and baked in the sun wearing as little as possible with an occasional dip into the ocean to cool off.


The days of sexual tension and anticipation have faded back into the stretch of time past. At some point, it seems like this stretch will eventually snap back and catapult us into the next life - one which necessitates the use of walkers and hearing aids, Ensure and Melba toast. 


We're not there yet, so we continue to try to regain youth in the bedroom.


It's not the same.


It's not like it used to be.


The heat doesn't rise, the breath doesn't quicken outside of the strain of effort. We no lnoger feel like taut, leonine desire cased in smooth sweat as bellies slap together with urgency. 


No, we feel more like lumps of clay - not unpleasant, but not stimulating beyond all senses either.


I guess even the attempts will end one day. And it won't be because we are unwilling to give it a go. It will most likely be due to disinterest and the knowledge that we are no longer fooling anyone.


We will be elderly.


If I had one thing to tell young people these days, it would be this.


Revel, no exult, in your hormonally-driven opportunities. Do it in the context of marriage for that is where the real freedom is. Make love often. Make babies. That is your birthright, that is your legacy. There is so much more wrapped up in this than you can realize through hook-ups and one night stands. And remember this.


Champagne will hold its sparkle for only so long.


Once the bubbles are gone, it's nowhere near as enjoyable.


And you will miss it.