Old Soul

I saw this quote the other day, and it resonated with me. I've always felt like somewhat of a "old soul", even as a child.

When I was a kid I befriended my moms friends. When I was in high school, my best friend was in her late 20's. Now I'm in my (almost) late 30's and 3 of my closest friends which includes my mom are 20 or more years older than I am. Of course I have always had a couple friends my own age too. I've even had/have best friends around my age.

I was my mom's sidekick when I was a kid. She was the dean at Bible camp one summer. I was right by her side and dubbed "Little Dean of Camp". I didn't want to hang around the kids. I wanted to be around the adults. In fact, when I got sent to camp on my own in 3rd grade I tolerated it, but I didn't want to do it again. How dare I get left with all kids my own age. I preferred hanging out with my counselor.

If it was moms turn to work in the church nursery, I was in there with her helping take care of kids. I can remember her telling people I was living up to my name. In most baby books Rachel means, "Lamb" but in the book my mom had it also had the definition of "motherly". I felt so grown up.

I started babysitting when I was 10 because I was mature. I look at 10 year olds now and think "WHAT!?!?!" I was TEN and the family that lived across the street from us trusted me to take care of their 6 year old, 4 year old and 1 year old! By the time I was 11 or 12 I was THEE baby-sitting. The one that everyone called. I was raking in the dough!

The church we went to had an annual "Ladies Bus Trip". A whole day of shopping out of town with other women. Women. I was probably 9 the first time I went. I was the only kid allowed to go, because once I again I was more mature. (I do think one year one other girl got to come along too) I went on at least 3 of these trips and hung out with the "old ladies" Ha! It was a blast...minus the year I walked head first into a pole in Galena! 

Our neighbors went to a Lutheran church and would invite us to VBS in the summer. Their mom Lisa was always in charge of the crafts. Did I go to VBS to participate in a class with other kids? Nope. I was her assistant.

My parents never had to worry about me going to parties or getting into anything bad because my ideal Friday and Saturday night consisted hanging out on the couch with my mom.

I have always had a fascination with old houses. It started with falling in love with my Great Grandma's house and my grandparent's house. I love the character and charm. If I were given the choice of a brand new house or a 100 year old house I'd pick the 100 year old house (as long as the big things were updated ie: electrical and plumbing! Been there done that with the plumbing nightmares).

While I am grateful for modern technology and being able to stay in close contact with my family...I do miss the simplicity of life before the internet and cell phones. Would I give them up now? No. But, life used to feel so carefree. I remember watching Mad Men which took place starting in 1960 and thinking, "man I wish I was alive then (minus the whole smoking everywhere part). I even went out and bought a couple of dresses that gave me Betty Draper vibes. 

In many ways I'm very much a millennial, but there's always that part of me that thinks I was born in the wrong decade.  (Okay...not really because I wouldn't have actually been able to exist)