Childhood is... by Shelly Neff

Childhood is...

by Shelly Neff

Childhood is getting excited because Daddy wants to talk to me and then having him tell me he's leaving me. It's trying to please everyone when there's an extra woman in the family your mother hates.

Childhood is loving your mother and loving your father and feeling guilty about it. It's being terrified when your mother falls and cuts her knee- afraid you are going to lose her, too.

Childhood is living out of a suitcase every-other-weekend. It's missing your friend's party because you have to visit your dad.

Childhood is crying yourself to sleep but not knowing why. It's waiting for Daddy to pick you up to go swimming and him not showing up.

Childhood is seeing your mother cry night after night and trying to comfort her. It's not knowing what love is and being scared you don't love your father.

Childhood is wearing sunglasses to hide the tears when your parents are in the same room.

Childhood is thinking this is normal.