Abstraction

Spine Breaker

To all spine breaking children: 

One day we'll realize how heavy the burdens we caused were, and when we do, I hope we find the humility to ask for forgiveness. 

***

Mama, I just have to have it.

Papa, everyone else has it. If I don't have it they will make fun of me.

This was the child's excuse. Every. Single. Time.

The parent's, who only wanted what was best for their baby, tried their best to give and spend in moderation, but the child's wants somehow turned into needs. In fear of what other children and parents might think, they spent the money they didn't have for those needs to be met. What was a little less grocery money and one skipped bill? It was worth it for their baby to fit in, wasn't it?

Soon one expensive want turned into several expensive needs, and one skipped bill became monthly loans. Under the pile of bills, debt collectors, and the child's growing list of things they must have, the parents struggled in vain to keep it all together.

Now, under the stress of more than one job a piece and interest rates skyrocketing, those child's needs finally took the back burner to hospital bills. The damage was done.

Parents collapsing beneath the weight of ungrateful children, societal trends, and life demands wasn't an uncommon sight, but they assumed they were better than that. They assumed they raised their child to be better than that.

They were wrong.

In the end, the child never once looked back on all the trouble and conflict they caused, continuing to ask and take without once thinking on what the consequences were. The only time the child understood was when the shoe was finally on the the other foot.

The cycle repeats again.

**I don't own the media**