When I Grow Up

When I grow up I want to be that little girl I saw swinging on the underbranches of a large shady tree this early Sunday morning.

Her hair was held back by a loose, cloth headband and the dress she wore had to be patterned after the Gunne Sax dress I had in third grade...pink and ivory in color, gathered waist and billowy skirt. She didn't care what she had on, but was pleased with the fact that it allowed her to play carefree on the tree without the cloth getting caught on the rough pieces of bark. She leapt from branch to branch like she weighed mere ounces, like a fairy would, and giggled the way only a child can, one who doesn't have to worry about getting up for work tomorrow, who doesn't sweat the mortage payment or wonder if she defrosted anything for dinner.

I watched her play with my own daughter for a bit, they made friends immediately without questioning each other's motives or assessing the other's social status. They shared a common interest - having fun - and that was ample to begin a temporary, yet sweet friendship.

Just as quickly as the young girl had become enchanted with the large, shady tree, she dismounted the center from which all of the branches seemed to be borne, and ran to hear the nearby band playing. She changed her mind without consequece, guilt, or confusion and then began tapping her Mary Janes into the wet grass, hands folding ladylike behind her back where her sash was tied in a bow.

When I grow up I hope I have freedom like that again. Because I think you're not really a grown up until you carry your adult responsibilities while recapturing your child-like fearlessness. Kids assume the sun is going to rise again in the morning. Adults can think of reasons it might not. But a grown up takes advantage of the sunshine on this day, because this day is really all there ever will be.

~ Samantha Gianulis

Comments

[Maureen Locher]

Your blog WAS the sunshine in this day. If I ever discover the secret of merging the responsibilities with the carefreeness (if that's a word!)you'll be the first I'll share it with!
Maureen

[Paula]

Thank you Sam, beautifully said and written.

I'm taking advantage of the sunshine today :) Thanks for the reminder.

Paula

[themommykelly]

Beautiful! Responsibilities with fearlessness... I'll bet that's the key to happiness. You've captured it!