I am often baffled at Bailey’s insistence on being an adult. Since he turned 18, his response to everything is, “Mom, I am an adult.”, which I in turn, roll my eyes and exhale. Being an adult isn’t all that grand. I remember when I was his age, I couldn’t wait for the light to turn green on my impending adulthood. Freedom from being told what to do. The perception of adulthood was a tad distorted.
When we were in Italy, we had a lovely tour guide who gathered us as her children. She instructed us on when to be at certain places, board the bus, and had all of our events prearranged. I enjoyed not having to plot our every move. It was as if she was the mother and we were her children. I began to realize how I miss someone taking care of everything. The biggest decision I had to make was what kind of gelato I would have that day.
Back in the routine of life, I have returned to our day to day schedule. It involves me actually making decisions, knowing other people’s schedules, and trying to keep my head above water. Looking back, I am amused at my eagerness to be on my own. Why on earth was I in such a rush?
The first time I heard the phrase, “put your big girl panties on”, I was confused. After some contemplation, I realized that in order to be an adult, I must act like one. Putting those panties on is a symbol of dealing with life’s teachable moments. Nobody likes making tough decisions, but it is part of the job. For years, my panties went missing, but fortunately, I had an awakening. It is called being a parent. Realizing that others depend on my decision making ability, tends to jolt one into a conscious reality.
My advice to Bryce as he inches closer to adulthood……slow down. Don’t rush and miss all of the enjoyment of being young. Although I wouldn’t go back in time, the only thing I would change about being an adult is having a mandatory nap time.
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