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This photograph was taken the evening of Wednesday, August 17th, 2022, two weeks and two days before my 41st birthday. It shows an aging but admittedly happy man. It is not a flattering image, but a candidly honest portrait of the author and family man known as Luis Herrera.

It was captured in natural lighting, behind the sporadic shade of green tree boughs on the westside of the second-story master bedroom, moments before sunset. Life is fleeting, we are here today and gone tomorrow. Every day is an incalculable gift. Live it to the max. Give thanks. Don't take it for granted. Forsake your profile pictures, which are lies just minutes after they're taken. I no longer look as I did when this photograph was captured hours ago.

Why? Because my hair is longer, if only microscopically so. I may have deepened a wrinkle or acquired a new grey. Because life is fluid and flowing, nothing remains in place. We age, grow, mature. Weight fluctuates. But the essence of who we are is eternal. We are immortal souls who take up temporary residence in tents of flesh. Take care of both. Always be yourself, and have the courage to be happy with who you are. No filters needed.

- Luis