census meme

Backwards,  because I can think that way easier: 

 

1961 - I'm 1, my parents are in an apartment over a garage belonging to Uncle Tom's in-laws' summer house in Swampscott MA, mum pregnant with my brother.Last year before they got pregnant and married, they were living on a boat, prepared to have me on their own, until the in-laws stepped in

1971 - I'm 11, living in Marblehead MA, with brother, parents still married,  house over a boat yard with just enough waterfront (like 6', really tiny) for a dock, three boats to row, one large sailboat for summer cruising, two cats, one who gets pregnant and has kittens in my closet, in the box of paper dolls, one corgi who becomes pregnant and has puppies in the butler's pantry (no butler, just the pantry), we  have a pony across town, and I can ride my bike to ride him which I do all that summer

1981 - I'm 21, at Colgate University, trying to finish faster, including Jan term, summer Geology Field Camp, and both semesters, riding an ancient thoroughbred down the road once or twice a week

1991- I'm 31, working in Worcester, MA, living in West Brookfield, MA and Al has finally (finally finally finallllly) finished his PhD, married 5 years this year, we're renting a great apartment, no one over our heads, no one under our feet to worry about when dancing or playing music, actually working at what I got my degree in. No pets, no horses, miles of bike riding. 

2001- I'm 41,  house in Northampton, MA,married 15 years this year, girls are almost-7 and almost-3, Aerin is doing well in First grade, Alice loves her day care person 2 days a week, I'm the at-home parent, singing in a small group, loving my neighbors and my neighborhood and being able to walk to things, no pets, no horses
2011 - I'm 51, married 25 years this year, same house, girls are almost-17 and almost-13, Aerin starting to think about colleges, Alice still a couple years off puberty, riding 4 horses on a semi-regular basis
 

 

All I can think, looking at this, is that I had an incredibly awesome childhood, with horses and boats and animals reproducing in my closet, and freedom to careen about town on my bike or pony - even with my dad self-employed or unemployed for a large part of it we managed to squeeze out the money to do some awesome things.  When I am tired, I think of the adventures my girls are not having, and it makes me sad.