How to Experience the Weight of Time. Acknowledging the Passage of Years. (Apologies in Advance.)

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In the early years of our relationship, Alexis and I were always perceived as the youthful couple. Our journey began at 18; we were the first among our peers to wed and the first to unexpectedly embrace parenthood. “You’re just kids!” was a frequent refrain whenever people learned our ages, blissfully unaware of how pleasant that perspective was. At times, we even exaggerated our ages to sidestep those awkward discussions.

However, that phase seems to have vanished.

Recently, after allowing our children to curate the playlist for our summer road trip and exhausting our favorite CDs, it hit me like a ton of bricks: my daughter, Mia, is now closer to 22 than I am. TWENTY-TWO. This age represents perhaps the most liberating and enjoyable chapter of my life—one that feels like just yesterday. And here’s my daughter, teetering on the edge of it? Thanks a lot for the wake-up call, Taylor Swift.

Weeks have passed, and I find myself fixated on this unsettling realization. If I must grapple with this, then I think it’s only fair that you do too. Isn’t that the essence of sharing experiences? Prepare yourself for some uncomfortable truths…

1. Remember that iconic Nirvana baby? He’s now 21, likely leveraging his brief moment of fame as a conversation starter in bars where he can legally enjoy a drink.
2. The unforgettable kiss between Ross and Rachel? That aired 18 years ago—EIGHTEEN years.
3. Songs by Pearl Jam and Soundgarden have now transitioned to classic rock stations.
4. “Did you know that the human head weighs eight pounds?” You might recall this, but did you know that little Jonathan Lipnicki from Jerry Maguire has grown into quite the adult?
5. Those born in 1997 can now legally drive.
6. The album Blood Sugar Sex Magik was released 22 years ago, meaning a baby conceived while it played could now be 21—likely enjoying a drink with the Nirvana baby.
7. The Challenger disaster occurred 27 years ago.
8. The children you once babysat might now be married and starting families of their own (at least mine are. Oof).
9. Johnny Depp has hit the big 5-0.
10. We are undeniably adults now. I apologize.

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In summary, time can be a relentless force, making us acutely aware of our aging. As we reflect on our past and the milestones we’ve reached, it’s essential to embrace these moments—both the joyous and the sobering.