Reflections on a Lifetime in the Mirror

A former TV news anchor reflects on seeing his father's face in the mirror as he ages.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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In a personal essay, retired Seattle news anchor Dennis Bounds shares his reflections on the mirror and how it has allowed him to see the passage of time and the resemblance to his late father as he has aged. Bounds discusses the history of the mirror, his own appearance and aging, and the connections he feels to his family through this everyday object.

Why it matters

The mirror is a universal tool that allows people to see themselves and connect to their past and future. Bounds' essay taps into the deeper personal and emotional significance of the mirror, exploring how it can serve as a window into one's own life and family history.

The details

Bounds researched the history of the mirror, tracing its origins back to 6,000 BC. He then shares his own experiences looking in the mirror, noticing how he is starting to resemble his late father as he ages. Bounds also reflects on his career in television news and how his public appearance was once more important, but now he uses the mirror mainly to gauge his aging process.

  • Bounds started wearing prescription glasses last year because his vision was getting blurry.
  • Bounds wrote this essay the day before the 2026 Super Bowl, which was the first Seahawks Super Bowl he was able to attend in person after having to work the previous three.

The players

Dennis Bounds

A former television news anchor in Seattle who spent 40 years in the industry, including 25 years at KING5, before retiring in 2016.

Bounds' father

An FBI agent whose face Bounds started to see reflected in the mirror as he aged, reminding Bounds of their shared resemblance and the wisdom he wishes he could still seek from his father.

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What they’re saying

“I'm looking exactly like my father. The resemblance was uncanny, realizing my 73 years of age mirrored (no pun intended) his face at age 73.”

— Dennis Bounds (northwestprimetime.com)

“These final sentences are written about 48 hours later. The Seahawks win the Super Bowl by defeating the New England Patriots 29-13. And I look into the mirror…and see my father's beaming smile looking back at me.”

— Dennis Bounds (northwestprimetime.com)

What’s next

Bounds plans to continue reflecting on his life and family connections through the mirror, and hopes to have more conversations with his children about the passing of time and the wisdom they can share with each other.

The takeaway

The mirror serves as a powerful tool for self-reflection, allowing people to connect with their past, present, and future. Bounds' essay highlights the emotional and personal significance of this everyday object, reminding readers of the importance of cherishing family ties and the wisdom that can be passed down through the generations.