We are enthralled with a baby’s firsts–first smile, first words, first steps.
I think it’s also fascinating to watch a teenager’s first steps toward adulthood. With three kids born in four years, we had sieges of development from potty training to driver’s licenses. It may have been hair-raising at times to sit in the passenger seat while a teenager practices handling a car, but it’s part of parenthood in rural areas. After a sixteen-year-old passes the state exam, comes buying a used auto. That also takes a part-time job to pay-off a car loan.
Our two younger kids enrolled in the work/study program in high school. Instead of a full day in a classroom, one was hired part-time by the owner of a car dealership and the other by a ‘mom and pop’ marina. As part of their education, the employers taught them how small businesses function.
Our son is two years younger that his sister but they compete. I enjoyed listening to their conversations. One would say, “At work, we do this.” The other replied, “Well, at work, we do that.” It surprised me how much responsibility their bosses gave them. I was still fighting the urge to hold their hands to cross the street. The two continued those jobs while obtaining two-year degrees at Rock Valley College.
The firsts continued as they entered careers and moved out of our home. Soon they each bought a house. We were fortunate that they settled in our area.
Watching our two grandchildren grow up has been “Deja vu all over again” as Yogi Berra, the famous, Yankee’s baseball catcher of our day, would say. Many times, my husband and I look at each other and nod as the two young ones remind us of their father and their aunt.
Life consists of a succession of firsts. That’s what makes it interesting. This is my first experience as an octogenaarian–it has its rewards and its penalties.
What firsts have captivated you?