Responsibility

Growing up and taking responsibility for yourself is never easy.

I have a grandchild with some special needs who is trying to live independently this year - without her sister or parents.

It means paying her own bills and rent, and riding the bus to get around town.

I am proud of her. She volunteers for the food pantry and has a bus pass and does a pretty good job most of the time.

Still, like all of us, she would find it easier if people would just pick her up and drive her where she needs to go. I've had to turn her down twice this week. Once because she let her bus pass expire and had no way to go pick up her new glasses. Then when she didn't allow herself enough time to get to the dentist.

It is never easy saying no, but she needs to learn how to plan ahead and deal with this sort of problem.

She figured out how to renew her bus pass and got her glasses the next day. I'm sure she will also figure out how to get to the dentist on time after today.

Growing up is hard, but it feels good knowing you can rely on yourself. It is my responsibility to give her the chance to do that now while the consequences are small.