I'm in the middle of reading a really great book, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, by Dave Eggers. Its memoir-y accounting of the author's struggle, in his early-20's, to raise his younger brother after losing both parents to cancer. A sad story, obviously, but Eggers brilliantly sidesteps the inherent melancholy by dedicating a good portion to his internal struggles in trying to be there for his brother while still aching for a normal life as a young person in his prime, living in San Francisco.
I can't relate to him losing his parents and hope never to have to, but, being a young twentysomething myself, I do get what he writes about regarding his struggle to grow into new-found roles and responsibilities while still attempting to forge a unique path in life.
Anyway, the point of this blog is to talk about my friends out there now in the real world. I will excuse myself from currently existing in the real world -- I'm happy with my 3-year law school "real world" pass, thank you very much. But it really is exciting to catch up with old friends. Friends I've known for over half of my life, decades in some cases.
Granted, many, even the most accomplished of the bunch, are still in entry-level jobs or grad school -- but we'll get there one day! It's inspiring and yes, a bit frightening, to realize that the kids I grew up with, had crushes on in school, played baseball with during those eternal summers, rode bikes with on crisp fall mornings, that we are entering this new stage in our lives. Until now, we've all been herded into school each fall, generally complaining, but secretly comforted by another year of brand new Trapper Keepers/messenger bags (depending on the grade and degree of intended irony) and notes/IM's (same; see previous parentheses) secreted to trusting friends behind the back of those omniscient teachers. It sucked, but it was familiar.
But that comfy blanket has been cast aside for many of us and we're faced with things we thought only our parents had to deal with. A real house. Health insurance. Jobs with consequences. You know, responsible, adult-type things (still wondering why I'm delaying this onslaught for another 3 years...). And, to top it off, real life gave us a shitty economy. Or was it the Republicans? Just kidding. (Secretly not, however.)
And while most of us still lack real, pressing responsibility in our lives, this won't be the case for long. It's been five years since high school now and my goofy friends, the same ones who used to dot their "i's" with a heart or attack unsuspecting TV-watchers with a surprise fart (no, not the same person), are turning into real people. The flashes of brilliance or compassion they expressed growing up, which were quickly shooed under the table for fear of humiliating reprisal from the "cool" kids, have had a chance to ferment and grow. They are bravely entering this new world still somewhat recognizable as the awkward youths we all once were but striking now with a self-confidence that was always there, but had to be found.
So, godspeed, keep in touch, and get to working on your heartbreaking work of staggering genius!
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