For all my

young readers out there trying to speed up time so they too can have the

freedom of being an adult, be warned. With freedom comes responsibility;

being a grown-up means more than what you'd think.

Being a grown-up

means you can have a bowl of ice cream in the middle of the afternoon,

and no one's gonna say, "Don't eat that, you're going to spoil your

dinner." Heck! You're a grown-up; you're the boss now. Eat the whole

carton!

It also means

you can spend hours in the gym lifting weights and running on the treadmill

trying to rid yourself of excess poundage you've gain from eating too

much ice cream.

Being grown-up

means you can stay up all night watching bad movies, or talk on the phone

'til you fall asleep.

It also means

you can get into big trouble when you fall asleep at work.

Being a grown-up

means you hold your wife's hand to comfort her as she gives birth to your

children.

It also means

she holds your hand to comfort you when they lay your parents to rest.

Being a grown-up

means constantly questioning your judgment about the best way to raise

your children so none of your faults and short comings will surface in

them as they become adults.

It also means

seeing some of those faults and short comings surface in them anyway.

Being a grown-up

means you're always there for your children and those late night talks

with your daughter about nothing and everything.

It also means

you get to worry about your daughter when she's out past curfew.

Being a grown-up

means you can relive your childhood and see your life shine through your

children's eyes.

It also means

that your life can flash before your eyes when you receive a phone call

that your child is hurt, and is on the way to the hospital.

Being a grown-up

is rejoicing with your children when they accomplish or exceed their goals.

It also means

comforting them if they fall short of it.

Being a grown-up

means you get to worry about your son as he drives off by himself the

first day he gets his driver's license.

It also means

you get to worry a lot less as he drives off after graduating from college.

Being a grown-up

means you get to hold your breath as your son or daughter goes off to

war.

It also means

you get to rejoice when they return safely.

Being a grown-up

means you're there at the hospital for your daughter or son to hold their

hand as you see your first grandchild.

It also means

your children come see you to hold your hand when you're in the hospital.

Being a grown-up

means you take a day off of work to sit with your wife when she goes to

the doctor's office for her test results.

It also means

when you're sick, she takes time off to nurse you