Mary Ann Hayes

Let’s face it; we’re all just a bunch of babies. This has become apparent as I spend more time with my seventeen month old grandson. He and I want the same things. Come to think of it, it’s possible we all want the same things we did when we were that age.

I’m envious he has me to take care of him the way I do. I wish I still had someone following me around, waiting on me hand and foot. It would be great to have a devoted relative insist I’m the cutest thing ever to walk the face of God’s green earth not to mention fixing my favorite foods and filling my bottle all day long. And I’d love having someone see to it that I’m properly entertained and spending my time in a safe, healthy, and stimulating environment every waking moment of my life. And imagine how it would feel to have everyone in the room cheer over the simplest thing you did, like smile. Just think how all that positive energy would make us feel!

Not only that, but let’s talk about my favorite thing; naps. Imagine the luxury of a mandatory two hour nap every afternoon. We would wake in the morning when we want to and not a minute sooner, play until it’s time to get some fresh air. We’d be taken for a nice walk in a buggy with a canopy to protect us from the wind and the rain. Next would be lunch where we would scream and cry until getting exactly what we want then proceed to eat with our hands and signal having a full belly by throwing anything left onto the floor. And then the grand finale; getting tucked in nice and cozy after our favorite story for the mandatory two hour nap. What a life.

Upon reflection, I realize most of us are still a bit of a baby regardless of our chronological age. We tend to pout and complain when life doesn’t go our way, and constantly look for the approval of others.  We have a hard time getting out the door to work because, let’s face it, it’s no fun and all we want to do is have fun. And we’re miserable because we don’t get outdoors enough, most of us being stuck inside, working away. When we do make it out for a walk, it’s often alone and in the dark and the rain.  An umbrella just isn’t the same thing as a buggy. And thanks goodness for pizza. At least there’s one food we can still eat with our hands and not be considered totally rude.

Yet, all things considered, I believe  it always comes down to the almighty nap. I’ve noticed it’s become an actual goal for many of us to slip in a nap now and then, even if it’s only on the weekends. We’ll say excitedly, “Sure, I’d love to do that. I even have time for a little nap before we go.” We’re less opinionated, less argumentative and generally more easy going after we’ve had a good nap. I understand the whole siesta thing other countries embrace. It makes perfect sense and they have fewer adults acting like babies.

I could go on and on about our reluctance to grow up, but I think I’m going to try and sneak in a little nap now instead.

Later,

Mary Ann