thank filled for 6 years older

true story:
*they* almost didn't let me into china.
literally, almost didn't let me in.
the immigration officer looked at my passport - then at me - then at my passport - then at me.
and said "this not you".
um.
dilemma.
not really supposed to argue with an immigration officer.
but,
this is definitely me.
again, he looks.
passport.  me.  etc.
"this not you."
then he takes me to the supervisor.
shampoo.  rinse.  repeat.
twice.
with tears in my eyes, i looked at her and said
"it is 6 years old.  i have aged.  a lot.  i have adopted 4 children since then.  it's been a hard 6 years."
and
with that, she stamped my passport and sent me on my way.
today,
i am thank filled for being 6 years older.
i wish that didn't mean wrinkles, gray hairs and a few *ahem* extra pounds.
but,
i wouldn't trade these 6 years.
for anything.