How is that other people's kids grow up so fast?

Since coming back to West Texas, I have been renewing old friendships (and remembering why I love this place) and laughing about how time passes.  So, anyway, I was talking to a long-time friend (I refuse to say OLD) the other day.  She, like me, cannot believe how the kids have gotten so grown up - I mean, after all, I am only 20 myself.  So how can Child A be 25 and Child B be 23???  This is a question for the quantum physics guys.  How can children be older than I feel?  This is important.....

I still feel young.  I have only a few sprigs of grey hair.  I am in better shape than I have been since I was 13 (REALLY!)  *if you take away the broken ankle*.....  My outlook on life is more positive than I can remember.  Wait.......

When I was younger, I felt so much fear.  I was scared for my children.  I was scared that I would never be the professional that I wanted to be.  I was scared that I would never find the 'perfect' partner.  I was scared that my marriage would fail.  I was scared I would not make the budget weekly.  Fear ruled my life.

I understand how I came to be afraid.  My childhood was difficult.  My parents had a tumultuous relationship.  My dad was so ill for so long.  There was not enough money to go around.  There was a lot of competition for all of the family resources.  I learned early that nothing is to be taken for granted.  NOTHING should be taken for granted.  Not people, not time, not resources, not love....... nothing.

I guess the lesson is that no matter what, it always gets better.  Maybe not the 'better' that we would prefer and maybe not the 'perfect' that we want..... but better.  Sometimes we just learn to 'deal'.  Sometimes we figure out what we are doing to contribute to our tribulations.  Sometimes we distance ourselves from the tribulations.....  Whatever, it gets better.

Which brings me to an old text which says (paraphrasing), Why do you worry about those things you can't change?  Why do you worry at all?  Because in the end, things will change - and you will be in a new situation - learn to deal with it.  Just live and be happy.  TODAY!