Geriatric. Y’all know what the world means. It means OLD. And in most cases, that's no compliment. Who wants to be considered old? Well, I think I do, because when it comes to the Millennial generation, whose reputation has been smeared for decades, that distinction may not be so bad.
I was born in the year of Orwell’s dystopia, and I’m pretty proud of it. With that being the case, I (along with my cohort) have a toe in the Millennial generation - however, the rest of our being is pretty well planted in the X/Y realm. We grew up in the 80’s and came of age in the 90’s. I think that was one of the best times to be alive. We left the house on our bikes in the morning and returned home when the streetlights came on. There was independence and autonomy in our childhoods. I’ve retained my VHS tape collection - so be kind, rewind - and I also have a DVD case full of Disney’s limited releases and Adam Sandler movies. I identify with She-ra: Princess of Power and Madonna was my idol! When it comes to the modern age, I got my Facebook account when it was only available to college students; have Instagram, but not Twitter or TikTok, and I struggled to figure out how to start my own blog. So again, toe in… but like, an OG at the same time.
Here’s a kick, get this - not only am I an “old” millennial, but I also had a “geriatric pregnancy” at 37. So, I’m like a new, old mom. What?! I also have an older kid, who’s 6, but acts like she’s 16, so that’s fun. So what does this mean when it comes to being a parent? This means, along with our free range childhoods, we are the last generation to be touched by the Greatest Generation. We had the opportunity to receive a dusting from the old folks who knew how to get shit done. We do not belong to the lazy, entitled crowd. I won’t allow it. We saw how our grandparents made things happen. They fixed things, they didn’t just buy new stuff. They made things, they grew food! They relied on tenacity and drive. They practiced simplicity, frugality and were brave AF. I like the idea that their traits may have rubbed off on us. It must have, because that means there’s a chance that could carry onto our kids. If not, the future looks pretty bleak. Keeping in mind, though, that we were also raised by the boomers in the height of the 80’s, so I acknowledge that this fact creates its own degree of setbacks. But we are still a subset. An asterisk in the generational charts. A clump of misfits born within those 5 years in the early 80’s who don’t quite belong.
So, do I like being singled-out as old? Do WE? Geriatric Millennial. I think I’m here for it. As I type my thoughts, I feel like I have a unique perspective on the world, so that definitely makes me a Millennial. But at the same time, I recognize that my thoughts are not solely my own, and that there are others out there who probably feel the same way I do. My perspective will not be new, but I’m hoping that by sharing my thoughts, others might know they’re not alone when it comes to the observations that creep our heads - as we all navigate the challenging world of being geriatric millennial parents.
So, am I special? You’re damn right I am! Just like everyone else.
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