Saturday, March 16, 2013

In Youth...

When I think of a strong, black man who made no apologies, lived his true self, fought his demons, held his head high & demanded respect, I think of my stepfather, Alonzo Wilson. While I didn't exactly like him, I respected him.

Of course this picture isn't him; this is the actor, John Amos. You know all the characters he has played are of the kick-ass nature. Step to him if you will, but come ready. That was my dad.

I didn't realize until I got away from my parents that their words were sacred. They were merely trying to prepare us for the world. While I found their rules "mean, tense & strict, I finally realized in youth we learn, in age we understand.

I am a parent. It all so totally makes sense.

DUH! Youth is wasted on the duh.

Carry Tuesday prompt

9 comments:

  1. Hi Tracey - great post, wise words. And funny thing, John Amos lived in Guilford, CT. My town for since 1984. Huh. :-)
    Love Gail
    peace....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey there, friend!!! You know - I remember reading something about him living up that way. I think he is/was involved with being a "mariner?" I have always admired him. What an honor to have him in your town! Lol. Love ya!!

      Delete
  2. if we could live our lives backwards we would do so much better, imagine the wisdom of age with vitality of youth - wow

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wouldn't that be something. Emma? There's no telling what the world would be like! Thank you for your thoughts :-)

      Delete
  3. great post and you are right...our parents had a lot to teach us and most of us would really like to go back and really listen to what they had to say. we do learn in youth...but not enough..especially from our parents...we knew more than they did.
    That's a great photo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. gsb, after I became a grown woman, I always joked with my mother about things they tried to teach us coming to pass. But since we 'knew it all' back then, when it came to be, we were shocked. I always said I'm going to write a book for teenagers called, 'You're stupid & You Don't Even Know It." LOL!!!

      Delete
  4. Rather than understanding, I think I'm now 'un-learning!' Someone told me the other day that I'm a bigger kid than my grandchildren. I stuck my tongue out at him!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Isn't it amazing how much wiser we become as we age? As I've gotten older I now understand my Mom much better unfortunately, dementia is now her world and she no longer recognizes me. My parents were strict as well and I appreciate the way I was raised. It has made me the person I am today. I agree with you wholeheartedly though that youth is wasted on the young. I love your words, "in youth we learn, in age we understand." Isn't that the truth? You are a wise woman Tracey.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Respect is a great thing and far better than being 'liked'. You were blessed with wise parents and it sounds like you're carrying on the tradition.

    ReplyDelete

My Story, Part II

  I'm curious about this second half of my story now that I'm alone. Then I read this by Jennifer Camp from "Loop ": "...