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A girl's trip through adolescence |
| I was always told I was a tomboy. I wasn't offended, in fact, I rather liked the idea. I was able to keep up with the boys and do what they did. I would climb tall trees, jump in the haylofts and ride the rope swing into the pond. I could even beat them at some of their best stuff. I could run faster, climb higher and spit farther. It was fun being a tomboy, much better than being one of those girly girls! My parents didn't want me hanging around anyway. They used to say I was always "underfoot", whatever that meant. I was glad to get out of the house (on the good days), and roam the farm and later, when I moved to Long Island, the suburbs. On the island we lived across the street from a private airport. I used to go there and climb the hangars and watch the planes as they came In. It seemed like such a big world back then. What I didn't tell you is that I became a tomboy out of necessity. I had to get away from some boys who wanted to throw me down on the ground and do things to me I didn't like. They'd touch me in places only my mom would see, if she was checking on me in the bath ,to make sure I had washed up right. I wanted to tell someone but those boys made it clear that telling would only make it worse for me. So I learned how to climb tall trees and run real fast and hide in ponds and how to keep real still. Anyway, being a tomboy is not such a bad thing. I remember wishing I had those loose pigtails like Punky Brewster,but my Mom always kept my hair short so she didn't have to brush it so much. It even made me look like a boy. I never felt much like a boy though. I knew I had womanly parts early on. They taught me that. Now that I'm older I'm glad I was an active kid. It's just the how and why that still stings sometimes. I made the track team in high school because I'm A fast runner. I got to travel a lot with the team and experience things I would have missed out on. Even now, I'll still climb a good tree if I see one, just to prove to myself I can. I realize today,I missed out on a lot. The free spirited nature that usually accompanies these little victories. The enthusiasm, the pride, the unbearable urge to run and tell someone what you have done. That wonderful sense of accomplishment when you've bested even your own goals. I only know these things because I've had the privilege of raising my own child. I got to see and experience through her the wonderful world of discovery. The pride you feel when you can be independent of your parents hovering but still knowing that they're there to catch you if you fall from the monkey bars. And later, the safety of knowing they have the band aids and doctor's number tucked away if you're hurt playing soccer. The security of knowing they'll be there for you every time you succeed and even when you don't. What a wonderful gift to give a child! I only know this because my daughter tells me from time to time. |
Total Votes: | 100% | ||
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