Saturday's Excursion

Ever wonder why you turned out as you did?

Sometimes I think about how the events of my birth dictated the kind of person I am. My parents are at 71 still the best of any I've heard of or read about. I lived during a great time in American history. There were things I could do that I would never be allowed to do in today's environment.

I have a friend who has adopted three teenaged grandchildren. She had a home-life similar to mine. Her grandchildren had a chaotic childhood. For them, stress and tension are "normal" and behaving like well-adjusted children and acting demurely are not even considered options.

I raise the question of nurture or nature often. How much does each affect us? I had a very functional family and a happy childhood. I love my parents and really don't intentionally try to embarrass them. (Honestly, Mom and Dad, I don't.) Of course on occasion I embarrass myself. Being the 'butt' of a joke doesn't bother me at all. I laugh pretty easily. And I'm a fairly positive thinking person. The glass is half full not half empty.

But would I be the person I am if I'd lived in a dysfunctional home? If my parents had been different personalities than they are, would I still be the "me" I am right now? If not, then it's due to nurturing that I turned out this way. If so, then it would be nature.

Or maybe this is too deep for this late in the evening after a busy day.