avatarLe Voir N. Lewis

Summary

A parent reflects on their child's growth over twenty-one years, expressing pride and a touch of nostalgia for the child's infancy.

Abstract

The article is a heartfelt reflection from a parent to their now-grown child, marking the passage of twenty-one years since the child's birth. The parent reminisces about the child's early days, filled with smiles, laughter, and the innocence of infancy. The narrative conveys a deep sense of pride in the child's development into a person who enriches the parent's legacy. Despite the desire to protect the child as they did when they were young, the parent acknowledges the child's growth and independence, questioning almost rhetorically who allowed the child to grow up, hinting at both the bittersweet nature of parenthood and the unconditional love that endures through the child's maturation.

Opinions

  • The parent has a profound sense of pride in their child's personal growth and achievements.
  • There is a palpable sense of nostalgia for the child's early years, highlighting the emotional bond between parent and child.
  • The parent recognizes the child as a significant part of their legacy and takes pride in their shared lineage.
  • The article suggests a bittersweet acceptance of the child's adulthood, juxtaposing the instinct to protect with the necessity of allowing independence.
  • The parent implicitly acknowledges that the child's growth and separation are natural and to be expected, despite the emotional challenges it presents.

Who Gave You Permission to Grow Up?

Wishing time would slow down.

Sleeping infant baby on bed by William Fortunato/Pexels

My dear, sweet child, let it be known that twenty-one years have passed, and now you’re fully grown. It was only yesterday when I held you in my arms. You were nothing but a small baby full of smiles, farts, and charm.

You make me smile and laugh, constantly having me in stitches. I am proud of the person you’ve become, a piece of my legacy that heavily enriches.

You are of my blood, I’m your ancestor, and we are of the same DNA. I am your parent, you are my child, and you represent our lineage in the best way.

If I could cradle you once more, protect you from the world, and shield you like a little pup. You would never be the adult I am proud of now. Who gave you permission to grow up?

Illumination
1000shortpostsin100days
Short Form
Poetry
Growing Up
Recommended from ReadMedium
avatarDaniel Williams
I Don’t Stepfather For The Glory. I Do It For The Dinosaurs

The Kid And I: a stepfather’s tale

6 min read
avatarKris Gage
How to *really* know you’re in love

Because most of “the signs” they tell you are garbage

4 min read
avatarremi ;༊
the art of disappearing

Summer Strike (2022)

2 min read
avatarMichele Maize
Goonies Never Say Die in Astoria

Northern Oregon brought me right back to the 80s: The Goonie’s are still alive and well

7 min read
avatarpahal writes
who are you when nobody is watching?

those are the moments you’re defining yourself.

2 min read
avatarDevon Price
Laziness Does Not Exist

Psychological research is clear: when people procrastinate, there's usually a good reason

11 min read