Recently, my seven year old nephew has been eagerly expressing his desire to grow up and become a "big boy." He always says, "I can't wait to be a big boy like uncle this and that" and every time, I laugh at his naivety. If only he knew that adulthood isn’t the carefree journey he imagines. It’s far from a bed of roses.
His excitement not only makes me smile, but it also makes me reflect on my own childhood.
I find myself wishing I could go back in time, back to the days when life was so much simpler and free from the burdens I now carry as an adult. Being a child under the care of your parents is a time of bliss, where no one expects you to earn money, pay bills, or send financial support to your family. There’s a certain freedom in knowing that the worries of the world aren’t yours to deal with 😂😂
As a child, the financial state of the country wasn’t something I had to worry about. I wasn't even conversant with the prices of groceries and other stuff. Even if things were tough, I knew someone would be there to provide for me. I didn’t have to think about how the next meal would come or how to pay for school fees. That was all taken care of, sometimes even at a cost to my parents, who would sacrifice their own needs just to make sure I had what I needed. It’s only now, in adulthood, that I realize the extent of their sacrifices.
There was a time when I, too, thought that growing up would bring the freedom I envisaged. I imagined it as a form of freedom, thinking I would be able to make all my decisions and live on my terms. But, as I now know, that independence comes with its own set of challenges. I now have to think about what to eat, what to wear, how to pay house rent, and how to manage a growing list of responsibilities. Upgrading my wardrobe, for example, is no longer just about style; it’s a financial decision that has to be weighed carefully against other pressing needs like food and rent. In fact, next year rent is seriously on my mind. Back when I was younger, none of these worries even crossed my mind.
What I truly miss the most is being pampered and babied without even asking for it. I remember waking up to the smell of my mom’s cooking and how she seemed to know exactly when I needed new clothes, shoes, or other necessities. There was a comfort in knowing that I didn’t have to ask for anything; it would all be provided for me. It felt like my parents had superpowers. Life felt easy, and the future seemed so far away that I didn’t even think about it.
If I could go back to those carefree days of being just a little girl with no worries about what tomorrow might bring, I would cherish every moment of it. The ability to live in the present, without thinking about tomorrow’s rent or the bills that are due. That’s something only childhood can offer.
Well, time travel isn’t possible, but it’s nice to reminisce about those simple days when life was all about play, care, and comfort. Those memories will always hold a special place in my heart.
This is my response to Hive naija weekly prompt edition 62.
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