Thursday, November 20, 2014

My Kid Turned 24 and I Feel...



I am not feeling any older than I did five short years ago. Not even ten years ago, maybe. I am in the same physical shape. A bit thinner actually (though I am not sure this is a good thing). Not as strong. Smarter, for sure.

“The great thing about getting older is that you don’t lose all the other ages you’ve been.” Madeleine L’Engle

My thoughts aren’t particularly those of a (little older than) middle-aged person. I do feel wiser after going around those blocks.

Another belief of mine: that everyone else my age is an adult, whereas I am merely in disguise.” Margaret Atwood

So then, how in the world did I become a person who has a 24-year-old child?

I am convinced that most people do not grow up. We marry and dare to have children and call that growing up. I think what we do is mostly grow old. We carry accumulation of years in our bodies, and on our faces but generally our real selves, the children inside, are innocent and shy as magnolias. Maya Angelou

Where did the time go? So imperceptibly, it moved, that I almost didn’t hear the whirr. 

“There is a certain part of all of us that lives outside of time.
Perhaps we become aware of our age only at exceptional moments and most of the time we are ageless.
Milan Kundera (Who is this guy? He is the author of The Unbearable Lightness of Being (good book/movie))

The speed is dizzying!

Just remember when you’re over the hill, you begin to pick up speed.” Charles M. Schulz

Stop. Just stop.

Do not wait for life. Do not long for it. Be aware, always and at every moment, that the miracle is in the here and now. “ Marcel Proust

In my morning prayers, I always ask for moments, minutes, entire days for which I am fully present. Living. Because “time and tide wait for no man” (Who said this? A quick google search gives credit to the poet Geoffrey Chaucer)

None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.” Henry David Thoreau

I am desperately trying to maintain my zest for life. Be excited by things. Little things. Am I running out of time for new adventures? I desperately want to be interesting. Feel interesting. I still want “you” to think I am interesting. If nothing else.

Wrinkles should merely indicate where the smiles have been. Mark Twain

Sometimes I look in the mirror and all I see are dark circles and deep crow's feet.  Other times, I see the twenty or thirty year old looking at me. Many times I like what I see. Sometimes, when I’m tired, especially, I don’t. And I think to myself, “Where am I?” 

And I always notice the eyes. "Where is the crystal blue?".

I may be a senior but so what? I’m still hot.” Betty White

She's funny, and I wish. 

Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty. Coco Chanel

Yep, my daughter turned 24 yesterday, and to think she believes she’s old!!!


First, I want to know how it happened, then why she didn't ask me if she could grow up so fast. 

And why don’t I feel old enough for that?

7 comments:

Vanessa D. said...

For the past year, I've been telling everyone my oldest was 21. About a month ago he pointed out that he would be turning 23 this year.

I love that quote from Margaret Atwood - it describes exactly how I feel at times.

Joshua said...

My 10.5 going on 30 year-old daughter called me by first name today and told me that she has plans for me and how I am going to treat her boyfriends when they come.

I told her if she wants to make it to 24 she won't use my first name because I am not her friend and told her to ask her 43 year-old aunt how many former boyfriends lie six feet under because her big brother Josh is mean.

Actually there are no bodies six feet under but there are a couple who were intimate with my knuckle but that is neither here nor there.

As I said on Facebook, if you want to feel old when the 25 year-old you are playing ball with asks you what you do tell them you used to be part of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band.

I want to say the kid was kidding when he asked me what instrument I played, but he wasn't.

Happy birthday to your mini me.

Jane said...

I feel your pain. My 18 year old surely just started school?! I totally relate to the Margaret Atwood quote too. :)

Gina said...

That's funny and I can certainly see how that could happen! I feel like Margaret too. It's a weird sensation...getting older.

Gina said...

I remember when Matt was little, like 4 years old, and he was trying to get my attention. If I didn't answer to "mom" after a few times, he would call "Gina". I couldn't believe it. I said I won't answer to that and he said, but you didn't answer to mom either.

Just wait for the boyfriend thing. We got pretty lucky but my parents weren't so much (with me). It can be a delightful time.

That kid has his head in the sand. Who doesn't know Sgt. Pepper?

Gina said...

I'm not a country fan, but I like the premise of Chesney's song "Don't Blink". It goes so fast. Thanks for visiting, Jane!

Christie Tate said...

I love all of those quotes and your thoughts. I hope the celebration was joyous! Growing up /old is glorious and bitter sweet.