Be honest. Have you ever said, "I'll never be like that when I get old?" All of us have fallen short in some form or another by doing the things we swore we would never do.
Most of us made some hard and fast rules when we became parents.
"I will never yell at my children." Come on, tell us, have you ever yelled at your kids.
"I will never allow my children to talk back to me." Did you figure out a way to make them stop?
"I will be completely aware of where my child is at all times." You own a leash? Well, GPS is a good one.
"I will never allow my child to eat sugar." So, what do you do, eat that candy bar while they watch?
"There is no way my child will ever pull the wool over my eyes. I will know if he is doing something he should not be doing." Were YOU ever a teenager?
"I will never lose my temper around my children." Maybe not within earshot?
"I will protect my child from anything and everything." Will they be on a leash?
"My children will eat what is set before them." How long did that last?
And the list goes on. Sound familiar?
Then reality sets in and before we realize it, our kids are teenagers. Curfew was set for midnight and it is 2 a.m. You have absolutely no idea where your daughter is and you vacillate between being terrified and angry. Depending on what state we are in when she finally does get home determines how we react. Some of the things we said we would never have to do, well, you know...
I was walking with a woman in her thirties the other day and realized that my steps were just a bit shorter and a bit slower and it hit me -- hard! When did this happen? Wasn't it just yesterday that I sprinted when I walked?
Was this really 30+ years ago? Now she has two kids of her own.
Think about the things you said would never happen - ever.
"I will stay fit." Fit into what size again?
"I will never get fat." As Bob Hope said, 'Middle age is when your age starts to show around your middle.'
"I will never wear shoes or clothes for comfort; I will always look sexy." What happened to my feet?
"I will never have skin that sags." At least not in the places that matter.
"I will always keep up this pace." How's that working out?
Are you KIDDING me?
"I will never make noise when I bend down or stand up." Do all noises count?
"I will never lose my memory." What memory?
"I will always keep up with the latest music trends and not listen to old people's music." Define old.
"I will always love to party and stay up late." As Woody Allen stated, 'You can live to be 100 -- if you give up all the things that make you want to live to 100.'
"I will never need glasses or hearing aids." Fortunately, not yet.
"I will always be in control of body functions." Define body functions.
"I will keep my mind sharp and never lose touch." Touch with what?
When my daughter was a teenager and we would see how some 'old' people dressed, acted, or walked I would say, "Honey, if I ever do that, just take me out back and shoot me." Now, I think that maybe I need to be sure she doesn't own a gun!
What are some of the things you said you would never do? How's that working out for you?
This reminds me of the saying, "I used to be a better parent until I had kids." When your circumstances change, so does your perspective. Although your post is humorous, it provoked some thoughtful reflection. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love that -- I used to be a better parent until I had kids. My daughter used to tell her friends, don't be a parent until you have had at least one dog. She now has two kids and seven dogs
DeleteGreat thoughts and oh so true... We really did think we would never get there... We did and how similar we can be to what we scorned in our minds if not in public!
ReplyDeleteSo true
DeleteLOLOL! This was so funny, and you are so right!
ReplyDeleteGlad I made you laugh!
DeleteMy husband and I were just talking about how we missed out on a lot of the typical teen behavior, My son is an introverted old soul and my daughter has special needs. She's not dating anytime soon! My son will be dating for the first time at college so I won't be able to worry about him LOL.
ReplyDeleteI have promised myself that I will stay comfortable and cute at the same time LOL. So far, so good!
I admire your attitude. Thank you for sharing your 'heart.' Comfortable and cute -- yup, I can relate to that.
DeleteMy memory! I try to finish a sentence and can't say the word I need! LOL My family gets so frustrated with me.
ReplyDeleteTell you family to 'Chill.' LOL Tell them that by the time you reach a certain age there is so much stored in your brain it takes time to go through the files.
DeleteHow I enjoyed the laugh here today, Carol! Yes, famous last words we once uttered and now? Well, let's just try to grow old as gracefully as we can. Oh, and I love that photo of you with your daughter - beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I laughed when I was writing it so I hoped others would as well. Thank you Martha Jane Orlando
DeleteWhat a sweet picture of you and your daughter and does time fly by! I love your list and yes it's great way to bring laughter to others. The one thing that ice always said was if my kids get far is lick them in the closet. Luckily both are beautiful with perfect weight so I can use my closet for junk. 🤣🤣 But on a serious note I've always said I may grow old but I won't grow up. So far that's holding true at almost 72 years old.
ReplyDelete