Janie Slaven: THE PREACHER'S DAUGHTER: Young

Janie Slaven, The Times-Tribune, Corbin, Ky.
·3 min read

Apr. 24—I turned 39 last week. I took a week off from my column because I was equal parts exhausted and melancholy. How on earth did I get here? Almost 40.

I've enjoyed scrolling and looking at prom pictures the past few days. So many of my friends got to experience dolling up their grown babies, and it's been a joy watching them all evolve into fantastic young adults. Truly, I love keeping up with their endeavors. My middle aged self is somewhat envious, I bet prom dress shopping is pretty special.

Spring has officially arrived in full force, and with it has come the same familiar air that makes me smile and remember. I saw a 1999 Toyota celica at a red light a few weeks ago and it took me back in time. Our class, the WCHS class of 2003 celebrated 20 years last year, 20 years. Let that sink in.

Anyways.

There's been somewhat of a hint of warmth in the air and a breeze. I remember when $5.00 was more than enough money to have a good time on a random Friday night.

I can't recall a weekend I wasn't wrapped up in what adventure we had lined up next, even if that adventure was a bon fire and a beat up guitar. We traveled in a pack, like a bunch of cousins in for the summer. Times were simple.

Ballgames and bootlegged cigarettes were priorities, and burnt cd's loitered floor boards. That was youth, and that was life. What I wouldn't give to worry about trivial things like running out of Aussie Mega hair gel and a slushie from Sonic again. I've traded in all of those worries. Now I'm worried about running out of retinol cream and interest rates.

Don't blink, the years pass quickly, and your hair will turn gray. That's a promise. Life is such a gift.

Internally I still feel young. In fact I forget that I'm somewhere in the middle most days. My sun spots and crows feet remind me of the ever ticking clock. They also remind me of trips to Laurel Lake and laughing until my sides hurt at all of our motley crew's jokes.

For every emerging wrinkle, wrinkles I've earned, I reflect on a different season. Seasons that included Mapco, Nelly, and post football game victory celebrations. Chicken tenders from BJ's restaurant were top shelf after beating Pineville or Middlesboro on a Friday night.

I used to be young. I'm thankful I can visit those years anytime I want in my mind. With each passing year the memories mean a little bit more, just like the people in them.

They say "age is just a number," and there's some truth in that statement. You're only old if you decide to be. I'm not there just yet. The middle ground I'm standing on, it's not half bad.

Erinn Williams is originally from Williamsburg, and now resides in Owensboro, Ky. The daughter of a teacher and a preacher, she hopes to make a difference through her words. She serves as an elementary educator in Daviess County, and writes for Owensboro Parent magazine in Western Kentucky. She can be contacted at erinn.williams2017@gmail.com.