First let me make this very clear - I love my parents dearly. They are the most amazing people, and parents, in the world. They are wonderful role models for myself, and my children. They have been the single biggest influences in who I am today. I honestly do not know where I would be without them.
With that being said..... I now realize my parents will never truly see me as an adult. They treat me with respect as a person and as a parent to my children, but sometimes I still get treated as a child. I am reminded to make sure my kids wear their heavy jackets, do their homework, play outside and get fresh air. I am told what is the best way to do countless household things. I am asked where I am going, who will be there, who is driving, and what time I am going to be home.
To clarify the last sentence - my Mom is a worrier. She isn't asking to be nosey, but to make sure my children and I are safe and well taken care of. She worries about me being at the grocery store late at night alone, driving when people have been drinking, coming home to a dark house, parking next to a van in the parking lot. She will hear a siren shortly after I leave my house and will call to make sure it is not me. She is not concerned with the details of my life, just the reassurance that I am okay.
My parents also come to my rescue and aide for anything and everything, well, almost anything. I needed help putting together a trampoline my children received from Santa, it was my parents who answered the call. My Christmas lights suddenly stopped working, it was my Dad who ran over right away to fix them. My washing machine was leaking, my Dad made the repair. I need a babysitter, a seamstress, a helping hand, a calm reassurance - it is my Mom I call first, and she who seldom turns me down.
I have come to actually appreciate still being a child to my parents. Sometimes it isn't always fun being the adult. And on Christmas morning, even at the age of 33, Santa still puts something special under the tree for me. Who wouldn't love that?
My parents are just like that.....unfortunately two years ago they moved out of state to live one of my Dad's dreams. We're blessed. I know of many adults who do not have any relationship with their parents. Crazy but true.
ReplyDelete~ingrid