Its all about the kids

Since Stephanie is lost in Europe and unable to philosophize about life... I've decided to take a stab at it myself. As I was watching the seniors during graduation weekend I was struck by the fact that unless I have a child of my own (or invent some great lifesaving device) in the next 5 years or so, I will officially become boring in a manner of speaking... or at least far less interesting than I have been of late.

Let me explain... its all about the kids. Most of life's exciting moments revolve around those under the age of 25. A baby is born - grandma and grandpa, aunts, uncles, cousins, drive hours... days to meet the little one and we'll say nothing of the pictures and presents. Baby grows up and graduates from kindergarten - the church pew is filled with the SAME people saying "Aww!" and laughing when the kid trips over his robe on the way up the platform. Then there's artwork, VBS, little league, piano recitals, Pathfinders... the list goes on. We're now to 8th grade graduation. Then comes the joys of academy - homeshows, awards, banquets, and finally graduation. College... more of the same... (you begin to step up the boring factor if, like me, you graduate from college three times) first job... Then the motherload happens - the wedding - totally self-explanatory. Of course, everyone wants to see those they love, in love starting out on happily ever after. And then... the couple slowly becomes boring... until BINGO - little Johnny or Susie is on the way. Then forget the kids - its all about the GRANDCHILDREN!

Its not just about events either - its about conversation. As I've listened to my colleagues at work here is how their life goes. If you listen to adults talk - all they talk about is the kids. "Hey, guess what Junior did the other day, it was SOOOOO funny..." or "What do you think I should do about coaching my daughter's softball team..." or "You know, my daughter is having trouble potty training, do you have any ideas?" or the BIG ONE:
"So what's going on with your kids?"
"Well, Amanda just finished her 3rd year of college, going to be a lawyer like her dad, great potential, and we're hoping she'll marry this great pre-med student she's been dating..."
The conversation revolves around the kids because who wants to answer the question:
"So what's going on with YOU? (30-50 year old adult with nothing exciting happening and no children currently under age 30)"
"Well... I wake up, eat, go to work... come home... watch TV... talk to my wife... eat... sleep... get up and do it all over again... Oh yeah, and then go see my kids on vacation." BORING...

Too bad the kids don't realize how much power they hold until its too late. Cause if the truth were told; IT'S ALL ABOUT THEM!