Growing up part 2
There are days when I do nothing right. Nothing. I could bat a thousand one day and be hiding with the blinds drawn, under the covers, the very next. But I still wouldn’t go back to middle school, or even high school.
Hell, I felt older then than I do now.
Today I wrote a letter to my father. Reintroducing a person he forgot. But, I guess forgot isn’t quite fair. A person he lost track of. Me.
At some point in a child’s life, roles switch. The ones who cut up our roast beef, who helped us down those daunting stairs, and who kept track of our routines might simply start to lose track.
Be gentle and don’t be afraid. There were countless times when you fell down the steps and scraped your knee, your hands, and maybe even your head – and I’m sure they didn’t look at you differently for it. They comforted you. Because growing up, or growing old, well it ain’t easy.
They can be the person they once were, to you, if you let them. Listen to their life’s stories, the ones that remain, again and again when you have to. Because one day, things will quiet down, and you’ll think back to when Mr. Savulak spoke about ‘dafferent’ people, or when he jumped off the edge of his ship during a World War just to retrieve a basketball, or when Daddy used to let his favorite girl help close-up his pool hall for the night.
Anger, fear, denial, resentment, pain, and sadness – they’ll all be your demons.
But, as they say, “Grow up.” Be an adult; it’s your turn.
Try to let love guide your actions and the demons will seem miniscule.
Dear Dad,
Hello! This is Anne, your youngest daughter. I am 22 years old…
