Like all adults, my relationship with my parents has evolved over the years. I would define our relationship today as pretty good, but room for improvement as with anything. I am very proud of the way my parents raised me because they were young when they had me, 18 and 20 years old respectively. But they’ve always spoken life and positivity into me and my dreams. They’ve always gone above and beyond to support me in my life’s efforts. I know they are very proud of the woman I have become and I truly owe it all to them.
I guess the room for improvement is within me and my expectations for our relationship as I grow older. I feel like my parents have me trapped in a certain space in time when I was a little easier to deal with. And because of this they still view me as their “little girl.” I guess there is nothing wrong with that but I feel it does give room for them to know me where I am today.
I am a 40+ year old successful woman. I have served honorably and been deployed several times during my military career, but regardless of being afraid and missing my family I was able to be strong for my Soldiers and those serving with me. I am a wife, mother and grandmother and I love each title I have been blessed to have. I have fears as I grow older but when those fears creep up I think back over the words they’ve encouraged me with when I was younger.
“Lila, you can do anything you put your mind to.” “Lila, you are just like your father – strong-minded!” “Lila, we are so proud of you!”
I am very thankful that I still have my parents here with me on Earth so I will cherish that and make the most of the time we have. I accept the fact that in their eyes I will always be their “little girl.”
