Teddy Burriss

I have stated repeatedly that Maturity is not something that I subscribe to.

Recently, my son-in-law made the profound statement that when you have children, “You must begin to be more responsible, but you do not need to be more mature.”

And yesterday my wife emailed me this little story which I feel obliged to share and respond to.

As I Mature

I’ve learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is stalk them and hope that they panic and give in.

I’ve learned that no matter how much I care, some people are just assholes.

I’ve learned that it takes years to build up trust, and it only takes suspicion, not proof, to destroy it.

I’ve learned that you can get by on charm for fifteen minutes. After that you better have big body parts (I modified the wording here – use your imagination)

I’ve learned that you shouldn’t compare yourself to others – they are more screwed up than you think.

I’ve learned that you can keep vomiting long after you think you are finished.

I’ve learned that we are responsible for what we do, unless we are celebrities.

I’ve learned that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, passion fades, and there better be a lot of money to take its place.

I’ve learned that 99% of the time when something isn’t working in your house, one of the kids did it.

I’ve learned that the people you care the most about in life are taken from you too soon and all the less important ones just never go away.

The story she sent me went on to say – “Pass this along to 5 friends. They will appreciate it. Who knows, maybe something good will happen. If not, tough shit.”

Now – I interject some thoughts here.

Even though the story my wife sent me was a joke, It got me to thinking about my life and what I have learned.

I’ve learned that as I get older, I keep learning. I believe that most of the really important stuff in life I learned long after I got thru my 20’s.

Years ago I may have wished to know what I now know.

Then I wonder – If I knew more back then, would I have taken the same path in life? Would I have met the same people and experienced the same life events? If not, WOW, what a scary thing to consider.

I have had a great path so far thru life. I’m not going to get into details here, those of you who know me, know some of the important details. I would not want any of the important details of my life to change, at all. Not at all!

So, I offer. Go for the ride of life, treasure the path you set yourself on and the people who are on the ride with you. And for the Love of everything sacred, never look back and wonder “what if?” It won’t change the path you have already travelled.

Another posting from Teddy Burriss. I hope you enjoyed this story.