Just when it feels like everything’s going along smoothly, and the universal tumblers are clicking into place, I’m reminded of how hard it is to be a parent. Maybe hard’s not the right word. It’s always hard. But you don’t really notice how hard it is because it’s so amazing and life moves along so fast that all you can really do is hang onto the safety bar and scream. But then something happens and you realize what an awesome fucking responsibility it is to be totally committed to another a human being – helping them become productive members of society, while also helping them find themselves, and be true to themselves. Unfortunately, this means overcoming some pretty hard things. Things you’ve either forgotten, or never even faced before.
I’m not going to expound on the specifics here, because it’s a family matter and not directly focused on me. Though I will say this – it’s nothing physical. We’re all healthy, and for the most part quite happy. There are universal concepts that every parent fears. Things like teaching your child to drive. Or managing a broken heart. Inevitable things that they put into books. Well, this isn’t one of those things. No, this is an extra special bonus. An unexpected inversion on the roller coaster of life. And right now we’re just doing our best to keep everyone safely strapped in.
Life. Crazy, man.
***
James Moffitt
Nov 9, 2012
Your blog post resonates with me. Just recently our 20 year old daughter moved out of the house. She is only 10 doors down on the same street. She is living with several other young people and sharing the rent for one bedroom with one of her girlfriends. Raising young people is not for sissies huh? I like what you said about parenting being a full time investment.
jeremiah hester
Nov 9, 2012
Jim it is crazy how often I can relate to your writing on here. We have had and are going through many of those family matter roller coaster rides as well and I’m always thankful we check the harness & service often. Guess that is all we can do.
Jeremiah
Nichole
Nov 9, 2012
Not 15 minutes ago, over waffles and coffee, I was thinking of something I wish I had done differently in my life. (Taken a different course of study in college, now that I know what my passion and interests are…) I thought to myself, “I wish I had known myself better then.” My next thought was about your kids. I thought about how you and Tina seem to raise them in a way that let’s them figure out who they are, what they like, and what’s important to them – now. I thought, “They won’t have this problem, thank God.”
Then I came back to my hotel room, turned on my computer, and read your post about parenting.