I know my mom is getting older. Seeing it is different from knowing it.

The author has spent about half of her adult life abroad or traveling, with more than 13 years since living on the same continent as her family. Her perspective on her relationship with her mother and daughter has evolved over time. The author recently visited her mother, which prompted reflection on the changes that have occurred due to time and distance.

While her image of her mother has remained largely unchanged, the visit has made the author more aware of her mother's aging and her own. The author acknowledges that her relationship with her mother has evolved beyond what her youthful perspective could have imagined. She now sees her mother as a human being, just like herself, and understands that both of them are navigating the complexities of life and relationships.

The author is in the phase of life often referred to as the "hinge generation" - middle age. She realizes that she is in the middle of her family's life, with aging parents and being a parent herself, while still relatively young. This has made her contemplate the reality of her position as part of the hinge generation. The author also recognizes that her daughter is old enough to perceive her differently, as she has matured from a toddler to a young child.

This realization makes the author less infallible and more visible to her daughter's developing mind. She is aware that her daughter may have her own views and perspectives shaped by her life experiences. The author emphasizes the importance of open communication and emotional availability with her daughter and son. She wants to keep the lines of communication open, showing empathy and understanding towards her family members.

The author sees similarities between her mother and daughter, and how each of them is shaped by their experiences and life events. She believes that time changes people and perspectives, and that their current positions in life are only temporary. The author encourages herself, her mother, and her daughter to remember their past, the experiences they have survived, and how they have grown.

She emphasizes that how we treat ourselves and others plays a significant role in shaping relationships. Ultimately, the author believes that the future is shaped by our self-talk, how we see ourselves, and the actions we take. She encourages her children to build their reality through their thoughts, behaviors, and actions. The story concludes with a reflection on the interconnectedness of people's lives and the impact of each new moment on our relationships and future.