(Isn't my mom pretty?)
Yesterday I was asked a simple, but surprisingly hard to answer question... When does someone become an adult?
Some milestones are obvious...
16 when you get your drivers license. This is your first taste of freedom, the ability to go see a movie or hang out with friends without mom driving you around, escaping the 'kids' on the school bus, probably breaking a few rules or maybe going on your first date.
18, the age when the government first starts calling you an adult. School is an option not a requirement, you get to vote, rent an apartment, legally make the choice to do stupid things like smoke.
21, by now you're almost out of collage, the last big 'freedom' (drinking) is granted to you. At this point you have all the responsibilities & privileges of an adult.
But does this alone make you an adult?
I see adults as not only having the freedom of making their of decisions, but also having the fortitude to deal with the consequences of those actions, no matter if they're good or bad. The government can't give you that maturity. It has to be learned & earned.
Believe it or not, that was the short answer!
(the next attempt at a strait answer out of me was 'At what age do I think a person becomes mature?' I only got as far as 'well... a man or a woman?' before the subject was quickly changed)
Who would think that only 24 years later this cute little baby (on her first day home!) would be a successful young business owner.
Heres to another 24 great years~
Comments (18)
Happy Birthday Rae. Hope it was a fantastic one!
Posted by Suzanne Carpenter | February 7, 2007 7:00 AM
Posted on February 7, 2007 07:00
Happy Birthday Rae!
Posted by Rebecca | February 7, 2007 8:15 AM
Posted on February 7, 2007 08:15
Happy birthday Rae! What a great post - I can't WAIT till I become and adult ;)
Posted by kristi and otis | February 7, 2007 8:21 AM
Posted on February 7, 2007 08:21
24 years and more! Happy birthday, Rae!
Posted by tracy_a | February 7, 2007 8:28 AM
Posted on February 7, 2007 08:28
Happy Birthday Rae!!!
Posted by scout | February 7, 2007 9:22 AM
Posted on February 7, 2007 09:22
Happy Birthday! Great post!
Posted by Bezzie | February 7, 2007 9:37 AM
Posted on February 7, 2007 09:37
how 'bout another 24x2, at least. your mom is very pretty and looks so young. VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Posted by susan | February 7, 2007 11:01 AM
Posted on February 7, 2007 11:01
Happy Birthday, hope you have a great time.
Posted by Teresa | February 7, 2007 11:47 AM
Posted on February 7, 2007 11:47
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy BIRTHday dear Raaaa-aaae!
Happy Birthday to you!
(and many more!)
Posted by Sarah | February 7, 2007 1:23 PM
Posted on February 7, 2007 13:23
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy BIRTHday dear Raaaa-aaae!
Happy Birthday to you!
(and many more!)
Posted by Sarah | February 7, 2007 1:23 PM
Posted on February 7, 2007 13:23
Rae, have the best day ever!!! And may you have many, many more years than merely 24. That wouldn't even get you to my age!
You're the best kind of friend... all happiness today and always.
Posted by LynnH | February 7, 2007 3:40 PM
Posted on February 7, 2007 15:40
Happy Birthday! Loads of wishes for a wonderful 24th year!
Posted by beverly | February 7, 2007 6:14 PM
Posted on February 7, 2007 18:14
Yes she is! You don't look so bad either. I saw your sweet face peeking over Cat's shoulder?
Posted by Patricia | February 7, 2007 7:33 PM
Posted on February 7, 2007 19:33
Happy Birthday to you!!!!!! And I've seen your Mom-she is still very pretty and I thought she was your sister.
Posted by Pat DeLeeuw | February 7, 2007 10:05 PM
Posted on February 7, 2007 22:05
Happy Birthday, Rae, with many many more to come, each more special and exciting than the one before...Blow out those candles and make a wish!
Jan in PA
Posted by Jan in PA | February 7, 2007 10:26 PM
Posted on February 7, 2007 22:26
Happy Birthday, Rae, with many many more to come, each more special and exciting than the one before...Blow out those candles and make a wish!
Jan in PA
Posted by Jan in PA | February 7, 2007 10:27 PM
Posted on February 7, 2007 22:27
I'm a day late, but I want to wish you a Happy Birthday anyway. Hope you had a great day, and here's to a great year!
Posted by Trish | February 8, 2007 9:19 AM
Posted on February 8, 2007 09:19
For me, becoming an adult meant I earned the money I needed to pay my rent and other living expenses. I could no longer lean on (or wheedle) other people to take care of me. When things broke, I fixed them or paid to have them fixed. All the victories and the flops were all mine. I still find that invigorating and exciting. I love being an adult. There is much more choice and power over my life now.
Posted by LynnH | February 9, 2007 9:50 AM
Posted on February 9, 2007 09:50