Today I was thinking about Aquaphor. That was one of the many creams, ointments, and lotions I used on my Papa’s body to keep his skin from further irritation due to psoriasis. I remember after his showers greasing him up and massaging his legs, feet, arms, and face. He loved it as I know he felt cared for during those times. We would even spray some after bath men’s spray to give him a fresh manly scent.
This morning these memories were triggered when I was applying lotion to my own feet – Avon :). My morning routine includes many lotions and creams. It’s occurred to me that getting ready for the day is taking longer and longer as I get older. As the aging process continues, it seems that many more steps are required.
At the risk of getting too personal, let me invite you to the parts of my morning ritual that I can more freely share. Shower creams include Dove for sensitive skin, conditioner on days I shampoo my hair (which is not required daily anymore due to dryness), different conditioner on days when not shampooing to add moisture to said dry hair, water pik hooked up to shower head (less messy that way), and special face cleanser (again to return moisture).
Once outside of the shower, the ritual continues. More moisturizing face cream on my face before applying creamy foundation and makeup. Scented creamy perfume to arms and neck area, different lotion on my feet for dryness as previously mentioned, and silk remedy on my combed hair for added moisture. I won’t even mention the 4 minutes I try to spend massaging my gums with my toothbrush recommended by my hygienist or the application of my hearing aids. By the time I am done, it seems that I am ready for my morning nap!
While I do what I can to take care of this outward body, I take comfort in this bible verse. “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” 2 Cor. 5:16 That inward man, my soul and spirit, is being renewed and being made ready for eternity where my papa now is with his new resurrected body. I am glad I was able to care for his outward body in his time with us. No longer and forever more will he need creams, lotions, and ointments. Looking forward to seeing you soon, Papa, but for now I must stick to my morning moisturizing rituals.
One Response to Lotion, lotion, and more lotion