The Atlantic: Growing Up Is Hard to Do

This essay appeared in the Atlantic this week.

Growing Up Is Hard to Do: Forced into Adulthood by an Aging Parent

I approached my 30th birthday with the typical trepidation associated with the occasion: I lamented all I hadn’t accomplished; I surveyed my face for crevices. Midnight was marked with friends and cupcakes. I fielded the requisite phone calls and flowers at work, and had dinner with 15 friends who braved an impending blizzard to celebrate. Then I went home and waited to feel grown up and responsible overnight.

I didn’t. It took four days.
(more…)