I look into the mirror and a child’s face stares back, smooth, unblemished skin holding on to the virtues of youth. Her eyes betray her though, filled with pain and wisdom far beyond her few eleven years. I see my smile reflected upon her young face, but her’s is a sad smile, void of all beauty. Her eyes plead with me to free her from the grip of pain and memory but I hold her gaze and don’t look away. For though my face will never again feel the soft comfort of a mother’s kiss, her’s will, one final time. “Remember” I whisper as our intertwined sorrow brings the bittersweet tears of memory to our eyes. The years fly before me and the youthful face is replaced by an old one. Crow’s feet and smile lines dance across her weather beaten face lighting up the remnants of a full life. “Remember”, she says. And I smile. I smile, and I laugh, and I remember.