I Can Stay?
One morning my mother asked a question that bewildered me. She asked, “Do you plan on going with the family on Easter?” I knew they had plans on taking a trip to the river, but I never was accustomed to the choice of whether I could stay or not. I hesitated, confused that such an easy question could have such importance, forethought seemed necessary. Content to postpone my answer, I said “I’m not sure.” Throwing me a frown that only a dunce would receive, she said, “You’ll have to give me an answer by tomorrow.”
As she walked away, I wondered could this all be a sign of growing up? Surely my parents wouldn’t trust me alone in the house for a week. Maybe they thought about what I felt like when I went on family outings, a nerd. Then suddenly something dawned on me; I had earned the trust and respect of my parents.
Now eager to test the new freedom, I re-confronted my mother. “Mom, you know about that trip your going on?”, I said. “Yes, what about it?” she replied. “I’ve decided to stick around here.” I said. “Are you sure?”, she asked. With a serious and deepened voice I said, “Yes.”
When the whole incident had come to and end, and my parents had returned, I felt better inside. Succeeding in staying home made me feel more trusted. It gave me a sense of having more power in the family. Having the respect of my parents helped me to build my self respect Also, I didn’t feel so dependent or insecure. I finally had a say in my life.
Preston Shepherd
March 31, 1989