When I was 17

When I was 17, my hometown was like a black hole.

Now, it’s like a donut hole.

 

When I was 17, I couldn’t wait to get in the car.

Now, I can’t wait to get out of it.

 

When I was 17, I hated having my brothers in the next room.

Now, I can’t wait to see them.

 

When I was 17, I drank Mountain Dew like water.

Now, I don’t do that.

 

When I was 17, visiting my sister in college was so cool.

Now, visiting my sister and her 6 kids is so cool.

 

When I was 17, my mom made Russian Tea with Tang.

Now, she takes me to tea.

 

When I was 17, I met the love of my life.

Now, he’s my husband.

 

When I was 17, I couldn’t imagine having a kid.

Now, I can’t imagine life without him.

 

When I was 17, I loved eating donuts with my dad.

Now, my son loves getting donuts with his dad too.

 

When I was 17, life was chaotic, emotional, and poetic. I could feel possibility in every moment, every action felt purposeful. My life now is different. Better. Less darkness, more play. I can see good in people that I didn’t before. I can spend an afternoon in the backyard and still feel like the day is too short. I can feel loved, and not worry about the loss.

 

Best of all, I can still eat donuts.