Sunday, August 23, 2009

Sunday Scribblings #99 - Adult

As a child, I remember longing for adulthood.

Because when I became an adult, I wouldn't have someone telling me what to do.
And no one would force me to take naps or play sports I was no good at (the t-ball trauma comes to mind).

Back in those days, little-girl Jenn dreamed of being an adult with enough money to buy cool clothes that didn't come from thrift shops.

An adult who knew better than her babysitters, her mom, her aunts, uncles and grandparents. 

 
(that's me, little-miss-smarty-pants in the red gingham dress on the left) 


Yup, that childhood longing spawned visions of a perfect adulthood. One where I would get straight As in everything I did because I could do that easily in school.

One where there was never any anger, hurt, loneliness or guilt.  

But what I didn't realize was that as an adult I'd be forced to take care of myself.
And that along with the glamour fantasies, there would be work. Real work.
That I would stumble and be continually challenged.

And that, along with being in charge of myself came admitting to failure and asking for help.

As a child, I didn't realize how much help and support I needed to be an adult.

I can't do it alone!

6 comments:

  1. All that responsibility...how do we manage...?How will OUR kids turn out...?

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  2. No one can do it trully alone. That's an adult secret.

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  3. I was the same way, it's the desire for liberation, makes me wonder if this liberation is an illusion at times, even now.

    The story you wrote puts things into perspective with my son and I'll keep it in mind when he grows up. However, I think I am still going to push the Kung Fu, whether he likes it or not, he'll thank me later.

    Thanks for sharing Jennifer!

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