Caitlin

All Grown Up

Nov 28, 2017 6 years ago

Why are flamingos pink? Why don't we have wings? These were among the many questions I had when I was kid. I was very curious growing up and I was never afraid to express my ideas. Once, when I was around six years old, I grabbed a fistfull of vibrant dry erase markers, thinking that of course they wipe off of anything you use them on. I thought my white walls needed some sprucing up. They were too bland for my taste, and clearly needed some rainbows and butterflies. The look on my parents' faces when they saw my art work was priceless. I was thinking, “I nailed it. They definitely love it.” It was the complete opposite. They were not pleased, but somehow they continued to guide me, working the balance between safety and a kid who was ready to take on the world. Sometimes the opportunities my parents provided me were created in their absence. My parents worked a lot as I was growing up. My brother was the one who “took care of me.” We hardly had anything in common. My brother lived and breathed bagels. Whenever it came to dinner, I had the choice of just bagels. So I started taking an interest in cooking. My father was a chef, and on those rare occasions when he was home cooking, I would watch and pepper him questions. After a while, I nailed cooking too. At the age of 9, I could cook golden brown grilled cheese, each drizzling with melted cheese. At the time, I thought I had cooked a 5-star meal. Now I was on to my next mastery. Learning how to do my own laundry. My parents worked very rigorous hours. And at the end of the day, they would fall asleep like babies. I couldn't go to school wearing a stained shirt. So, I learned how to do my own laundry. By watching my mother as an example. It was a trial-and-error process. My favorite white top is now turned pink. My mom stepped in and gave me a few pointers. Eventually, I got it down. It was finally the day to move on to bigger challenges! It was my 14th birthday. This was the year things were going to change. When I woke up that morning, I was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. The fumes of crispy bacon sizzling on the stove and the fresh smell of maple syrup woke me up. I came running downstairs ready to feast. My mom greeted me: “14 years old, you know what that means?” In my head I was saying, “I can finally get a phone” but I replied innocently, “no, what does that mean?” She replied back with “you're finally old enough to get a job, we're gonna go job hunting today.” When she said “job", I reacted like she had just abandoned me. She had not done this to my brother! However, soon enough I was dressed in khakis and a white polo shirt, feelings like a million bucks in spite my terrible new look. My mother knew I was up for the challenge and she was right! My mother is a very intelligent woman, and she knew just what I needed. My parents worked a lot to support me and my brothers. Although it would had been nice to have them around more often, I wouldn't be the person I am today. My parents lives have taught me very memorable lessons that shaped me to be the person I am today. I admire my mother. She is a role model for me to work hard in school, as well as not to give up on something you love. My father is a man of great talent and skill. Being around him and watching him cook made me build a good work ethic. Even though they might not realize it. I am grateful for the space I got to figure things out on my own. I am also aware the space was not infinite; they were always there for me.

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