Dear Young Woman in Her Early Twenties Who Gave My Minivan a Disdainful Glance:
I noticed the judgment you cast upon my vehicle while waiting at a stoplight. I can only imagine the snarky comments you made to your friend in that compact hatchback of yours.
“I could never drive a minivan,” you probably said, with that condescending tone, while she nodded in agreement, likely exclaiming, “Totally lame!”
I understand where you’re coming from. You’re youthful, radiant, and all your features are naturally in place, without any assistance from undergarments or shapewear. You seem to have it all figured out; the universe is your playground, and anyone over the age of twenty-five seems outdated and irrelevant. Your small car is perfect for your minimalist lifestyle, where the most you carry is a backpack, an oversized handbag, and occasionally a friend who has indulged a bit too much at Taco Bell.
But here’s a little reality check: I didn’t arrive in this world as the frazzled, minivan-driving parent of four who might still wear maternity pants well beyond pregnancy. Not long ago, I too was in your shoes—full of confidence, with smooth skin and a youthful glow, zipping around in a sporty coupe without any remnants of snacks or toys cluttering the interior.
In fact, I was you.
Fast forward a decade, and you may find yourself in my position. You’ll discover that your metabolism doesn’t quite handle all that Taco Bell as it used to, and your parents—once seemingly clueless—have some wisdom worth considering. When you find yourself juggling an infant seat, a diaper bag, and a squirming toddler while attempting to carry groceries, you’ll appreciate the sliding door feature of a minivan. That’s right; when your child swings the door open too eagerly and scratches the shiny new car parked next door, you’ll wish you had a minivan’s convenient access.
I’ll admit, it stings a bit to receive that judgmental look from a younger individual who believes they are above such things. It serves as a stark reminder of how my Friday nights now consist of shopping for birthday gifts wrapped in recycled gift bags while sipping on wine I can buy without even a hint of being carded. And yes, I might just doze off on the couch by 9:00 PM.
But rest assured, karma has a way of catching up with us all. She may grace you with stretch marks, gray hairs that feel like steel wool, and a collection of jeans that no longer fit. And yes, I suspect she too drives a minivan.
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In summary, as you transition through life’s stages, remember that what seems trivial now may one day become essential. Embrace the journey.