I don’t know about other people, but although the mirror shows some wrinkles and a few grey hairs (ok, ok, maybe more than just a few) inside I feel much younger than I look.
Most of the time, despite a job, three kids, and a mortgage, I can sometimes fake myself out and believe that I am still young.
This past Friday I couldn’t fake myself out anymore. My brother and I went to pick out a gravestone for my father. There is nothing more “adult” than taking care of funeral arrangements – and this was just the last detail.
I guess I need the woman’s equivalent of buying a red sports car…..or maybe I just need to accept that I’m really an adult.
West Bank Mama 
Mar 16, 2008 @ 19:47:53
I’m older and have my parents, ad 120. So I haven’t had to do such a thing yet. I did run the shivas when my husband and his sister (she stayed with us) sat for their parents. But it’s different.
Mar 17, 2008 @ 03:08:49
I’m sorry to hear about your father. We just lost my Mammaw recently and it’s amazing how it changes so many things and it’s been really telling to see my mom going through the loss of the woman she always went to with questions and transitioning into that role herself. My prayers are with you and your family.
Mar 18, 2008 @ 17:40:23
On a more positive note, having one’s kid turn 25 is another way to make one feel like an adult. I can’t believe he’s that old. I can’t believe *I’m* that old.
Mar 19, 2008 @ 11:18:35
You’re not really an adult until you lose your parents.
My condolences on the loss of your father.
Mar 19, 2008 @ 21:19:26
well i dont know how young you feel but you look younger then you are.
why did it hit you more with your father then with your mother?
whats wrong with a sports car for a woman? i think the equivalent is dyeing your hair red. purim sameyach
Mar 20, 2008 @ 09:15:19
Batya – I’m glad to hear that you haven’t had this experience yet.
Mateo – yes, I tell myself that I really should take up the “matriarch” role now. I guess when my kids start to get married it will “fit”.
Shira – yes, our children growing up is really an indicator.
Raizy – you sound like you know this from first-hand experience.
Faith – you are absolutely right about my not feeling this after my mother passed away. The simple truth is that my mother’s passing away came in the middle of some intense infertility testing and treatments – and then I got pregnant with westbankkid number two. There is nothing like being pregnant to make you feel young!