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When did you first realize you were a grown-up?
I saw this question in a magazine and had to stop and think what my answer would be. I love questions that make me stop, close my eyes tight and really give it some thought. For me, going back more than 5 years in my memory seems to get harder and harder, the older I get.
So for this question, I really had to think hard. When did I first feel grown-up?
I want to say it was when I had my first taste of alcohol on my 21st birthday... but that didn't really do it. I actually remember feeling really let down at how dull sipping an alcoholic drink was. I think I thought something magical was going to happen, but I felt the same and was quickly disappointed.
Then I thought getting married would make me feel grown-up, but that didn't really work in my favor either. Instead, I felt like a little kid again, learning all the new, exciting and confusing ways of my new world. I think, for me, becoming a Mom was the first time I truly stopped and realized, "Wow! I've grown up!" I laid there in the hospital bed, looking at my beautiful son (even with his funny cone shaped head) and realized for the first time in my life, I was in charge of another human being. I was the caregiver and provider for this tiny, little being. I remember feeling overwhelmed by the sudden responsibility and in some ways, wanting to give it back, for fear that I'd mess-up. When Ethan was 2 days old and we were first home from the hospital, I was changing his first real poopy diaper, starting to leak milk (yay for milk coming in!), the phone was ringing like mad, and he was screaming out of hunger. I got him into a new diaper, grabbed a blanket, gladly let the phone go to the machine and started to nurse him. I remember looking at him (while he ate like there was no tomorrow) and saying to him "We're a team now, buddy." Seems like silly words, but it was in that moment I realized the weight of my responsibility, but also the joy that came along with it.
Then I think the next time was hearing Ethan call me "Mama". I remember crying the first time he said it. I walked into his room one morning and there he was, sitting in his crib, playing happily with some toys. He looked up, our eyes met, he smiled and yelled "Mama!!" ... and I melted.
But, if we're being totally honest here, I'd have to say the first (and not so exciting) time I realized I had become a grown-up, was when the thought of an afternoon nap seemed so deliciously wonderful to me.
What about you?
Thank you for sharing thisSubmitted by Holly (not verified) on Fri, 2009-07-17 14:33.
Thank you for sharing this story. I think the first time I felt truly gown up was when I was in nursing school and I was giving my first meds to a couple of patients. I was extremely nervous as I thought about the responsibility I was taking on and that another person's life was in my hands. A stupid mistake could kill them. That's when I started praying for all my patients and that the Lord would always be guiding my hands in preparing dosages.
awesomeSubmitted by stef on Fri, 2009-07-17 15:58.
Thanks Holly! I love hearing people's answers to stuff like this. You're right too - as Dr's and Nurses, you guys have a huge responsibility to your patients!
I love this!Submitted by laura (not verified) on Fri, 2009-07-17 23:21.
Such a cute question. I'm not quite sure when I realized I was grown up...probably in degrees. First, when I got my first real job - a big job and an offer letter and everything. Then, getting married was a big deal...but I still felt like a girl playing grown-up. Even having one baby felt a little bit like play. But, the second Chloe was born, I looked at Bruce and said "honey, we have two kids!" I believe that's when it really set in. When people ask me about my kids now and there's some odd combination of motherly pride and grown-up-ness and holy-cow-it's-so-much-responsibility when I say "I have two girls."
Holly - I'm so glad you pray for your patients. I wish more nurses did that.
fun!Submitted by jilly on Sat, 2009-07-18 09:51.
What a fun question! Sometimes I still don't feel like a grown-up! haha! But seriously, I'd have to say when I moved out on my own when I was in college, with a friend, I THOUGHT I was sooo grown-up. But I quickly realized how much I depended on my parents. I think that's when I started to think about how much I appreciated them. :)
Then when we got married and moved away, I was forced to grow up pretty quickly, and depend completely on my new husband! We have never lived close to our parents, since we got married, so I was never able to call Mom...or Dad...to come help!
And I'd have to agree with Laura above...I think it was when Tim was born, and I realized that I had TWO kids. Not just one cute little baby, but TWO!
Thankfully God doesn't require us to be fully mature all at once! He helps us along the way to grow in His grace, and handle whatever He gives us for that day. :o)
Feeling grown up is a funnySubmitted by Gina (not verified) on Sun, 2009-07-19 17:17.
Feeling grown up is a funny thing. For me, it was kind of odd when the feeling hit. John & I had already married, we had already had our first child (Jozsef was about a year and a half at the time) and we had already bought our first home (a condo). When we moved we ditched or futons and other "college" furniture and bought a sofa set for our living room. When the furniture was delivered & I saw the room "graduate" in status, *that's* when I felt grown up. I remember telling John "we have *real* furniture!". Odd, I know. :-)
its not odd! I think itsSubmitted by stef on Sun, 2009-07-19 20:40.
its not odd! I think its little things like this that usually make us realize we're grown ups. I love it!!
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