By Ryan ReehThe Daily Northwestern
Wash with like colors. Do not bleach. Use cold water. Dry-clean with tender love and care. Will not shrink; will only grow up to be like you.
I always thought those directions seemed a little off.
Last week, I was doing my laundry and something dawned on me: I was becoming like my parents. Before laundry that particular day, I napped, picked up a paycheck, ran to the bank three times, went to the post office to pick up stamps, stopped by the grocery store, and even went into the newsroom, on my day off, to catch up on some work.
These all fit under the category of stuff my parents used to take care of. So why am I doing these errands and enjoying it?
The self-fulfilling prophecy supported by genetics and my parenting environment has come true: I am a product of my mom and dad.
Ironically coming after parents’ weekend here at NU, there’s been all this talk recently of the 300 millionth American being born. All sorts of speculation exists of what kind of world he/she will live in, but I can guarantee that he/she will be like their parents in some fashion and will come to enjoy it. They too will be a product of the people that produced them.
Many of my friends growing up rejected this idea of becoming their folks, mostly because they found a quality they disliked about their elders and resisted acquiring it. There are some things I don’t like about my parents (sorry mom and dad), but I’ll take the good characteristics with the bad. Trust me, there are a lot more good traits there than bad.
People with parents take what their parents do for granted. There are people that grow up without parents. Imagine growing up without someone changing your diaper, helping you with your homework, filing your taxes, putting food in front of you, or paying your bills. All of that menial junk is honestly not that fun to do, and yet, parents are willing to sacrifice their valuable time for their children. Without parents, you could do everything you ever wanted to, but where would you be without the structure and comfort of someone taking care of the daily chores because they love you?
Adopted parents also count: they are willing to sacrifice some of their life in order to raise someone else’s child. What could be more noble than that kind of sacrifice?
Parenting never comes with an instruction manual or a “How To” guide and (as some parents might say) usually does not get easier over time, but against all odds, kids still grow up with the qualities and ideas their parents shared with them. Even in an American society that has reached that 300 million milestone. A lot of people must have done something right to get there.
I talked to my dad over the phone while waiting for my clothes and told him about my errand-filled day. He listened patiently, like all good parents, and offered me some solace: “It’s just part of the daily routine.” Secretly, I could hear him smile on the other end.
I took out my laundry out of the dryer when it was ready. For some reason, the clothes smelled better and appeared cleaner.
Must have been that new detergent I purchased with my parents’ love and support.
Reach Ryan Reeh at [email protected].
