Finally being an adult
means your parents get to pick a candy bar that you buy them.
It means you take them shopping.
It means you get to give them advice.

Finally being an adult
means you pick up chocolate for Dad,
they give you all the love you’ll ever need.

Finally being an adult
means you take them out for dinner,

somewhere nice that they deserve.

Finally being an adult
means you fetch your mother her pills, all of them, every day.
It means you give them your paycheck, even when you are about to get evicted.

Finally being an adult
means you ask your mother about her health insurance.
It means you pay for her to go to hospitals. It means you never quiver or waiver the slightest in your hope.

Finally being an adult means you pray with your dad, knowing it helps him sleep better,

even when you repeat the words with no meaning.

Finally being an adult
means you tell your parents your day was great
because they need all the good news they can hear.

Finally being an adult
means you stay strong as your mother cries on your shoulders,
not knowing what to say when she says She can’t take the weight anymore.

It means hugging your parents, knowing each time you see them may truly be your last.

It means you cry only when you are alone, as you know they did for you.