The Shoe is on the Other Foot

          Ever since I've been in college I've started to realize several things that I spent the better part of my life taking for granted. All of the opportunities that have been handed to me, when I didn't even know what to want, the schools I was privileged enough to attend, the trips I was taken on, the clothes I was bought; the house I lived in, all of it I was given. And despite all of that I still had the nerve to criticize every little thing i disagreed with in the household where I resided rent free. The example that comes to mind is how I would always be put off by looking for a slice of bread and discovering that the only bread we had was frozen. Also, I would sigh if I found meats frozen rather than fresh and merely refrigerated. 

Now that I have to buy my own groceries, etc... I see that maybe my father and I aren't so different

               If it wasn't a matter of being frozen, it would be a case of "Dad, we don't have any [enter some unnecessary item I had probably used up recently and did not go and replace myself]" Beyond realizing what a spoiled brat I was/ am, I have enjoyed the independence of living without any parent within thousands of miles. While I am not financially independent, this is the most independent I have ever been. Despite living away from home most of the time since the age of 16, and spending summers on my own, I have never had full autonomy over everything in my life. 

Finding out new things I enjoy and am good at as I grow up by living on my own

                While I am enjoying learning to be self sufficient, I am also grateful that I was given the time and opportunities to develop at the pace I did. I will never be able to repay the dollars, hours, sacrifices or experiences my parents, grandparents, teachers, friends and family have given for me to help me to where I am now. But I can make good on their investment in me by making them proud of what I am doing, how I live my life and demonstrate my appreciation in other ways. So, as I sit here finding myself doing the same things that I once as a boy criticized, I am discovering a new perspective on the little things in life. I realize a new chapter is soon to commence in my life, and I am trying my best to show my appreciation for how the first chapter of my life has been provided for me. Thank you to all who contributed.