For dinner tonight, it’s spaghetti and meatballs. I fill a large pot with water, add a little salt and place the pot onto the burner. Then I turn the heat up to high while my 13 year old daughter approaches me and says, “Mama, if I become rich, I promise…”
For a split second my mind begins to wander off, and I first think to myself, “Where did this statement come from?” Secondly I think, “Well why not? She could be rich one day. And then we could go shopping, pick out some designer shoes and handbags. I wouldn’t even have to look at the price tags!” Oh now I’m getting excited! Tell me girl, what do you promise to do if you become rich?
Proudly and confidently she states, “If I become rich, I promise to put you and dad into the best senior home!” She then flashes a big smile at me.
Her expression quickly changes to puzzled when she sees I’m smiling back. And why should I be smiling? I mean really girl, that’s your first thought? Putting your dad and me in a home?! I then began to see the funny side of this and said to her, “Well now there’s something to post on Facebook. My friends are sure to get a laugh from it!”
She sheepishly looked at me and asked, “Is this about being old?”
“Well, yes,” I replied. “Why would the first thing you think of when you get rich is to put your dad and me into a senior home?”
She giggled and tried to sway me with saying, “I just wanted you to know that it would be a nice one.”
“Thanks, but if you get rich, I’d rather go shopping.”
“Oh,” she replied. And then ran off before I could tell her what I would do if I got rich. But then again, do I really want to send her off to boarding school?
The more I thought about it, the more I laughed, and later that night I did post her promise on Facebook. It got quite the response. Way more likes than my usual posts, along with some colorful comments.
“You have taught her well,” said one person. “At least she’s knowin’ where you gonna be!” said another friend with a laughing so hard crying emoji. There were also a few “Bahaha,” and the classic “Lol.”
I showed my daughter all of the responses and she began to realize how her statement about a senior home sounds different from the point of view of an adult. And I began to realize that I could no longer live in denial of my age, and that I really have reached the point of ‘getting old.’ But hey, life is a process of going through different stages and being at our best at every stage. I also learned that I should have my shopping list ready and get directions to Beverly Hills in case my girl does strike it rich. Mama needs some new shoes!
Deb Evans is a mom, blogger and marketing influencer. She’s learned that it’s too easy to get caught up in work, work, work and neglect the fun side of life and family. So she created this blog. Enjoy!
https://seriouslyhavesomefun.com