I spent some time with a young friend of mine recently who, like most people, was having some difficulty dealing with her parents. Her parents, who love her very much, are the type of parents who want to be deeply involved in their child’s life and want to still tell her how to live her life though she is a grown young woman, with a great career and she is married. Obviously, this is difficult for this young lady as she and her husband need to make their own decisions and live their own lives. It does not preclude them from having a good relationship with her parents.
In talking with her, it reminded me of a scene from The Natural where some great wisdom was dispensed.
Iris Gaines: You know, I believe we have two lives.
Roy Hobbs: How… what do you mean?
Iris Gaines: The life we learn with and the life we live with after that.
Kids need to learn and live. That’s what life is all about.
I remember seeing the last line of the limerick when I was a kid. It wason a needlepoint in a restaurant in Amish country near where I grew up. It stuck with me. Her mom and dad need to take this to heart and wise up.
From their tradition they’ll never depart.
Their transportation’s still a horse and cart.
But in their simplicity lies
Thinking that’s very wise….
“We’re too soon old, and too late smart!”
Poet's Corner 