The Fleetwood Mac Epiphany

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became an adult, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 1 Corinthians 13:11-13

The Fleetwood Mac ballad Landslide is a beautiful song with existential tones and ideas that were cryptic and abstract in my understanding as I was growing up.  If I were to make a movie about the wonder years of being 30 something, this song would definitely be in the soundtrack.  It’s an illustration of the cycle of life; we should all take heed to it.

When you climb a mountain and you turn around…

If we are fortunate to have our parents with us throughout our adult life, they get to witness us come into our own.  They witness us develop into adults striving to achieve our goals caring for us, supporting us and guiding us all the way.  Somewhere amidst all that, we reach a pivotal moment where we reckon our roles become reversed.  We find that we must care for the ones who cared for us our whole lives.  We must protect them, support them and sometimes provide for them.

Can you sail through the changing ocean tides…

Often times this pivotal moment is not so obvious.  It can be gradual and inconspicuous.  Other times it can be instantaneous.  It can be brought on by a death or sudden affliction of illness like a stroke or dementia.

Can you handle the seasons of your life…

As much as we do not like to think about these situations coming to pass, they are likely and inevitable. When situations like these come to pass, it is usually without warning and without relief from the mundane duties of professional and personal life.  Finding a balance while managing time and stress can be challenging which is why it is important to think about being prepared.

Time makes you bolder, even children get older…

If you have siblings, start a dialogue of how you would manage in these scenarios so that everyone can gauge their ability to help if need be.  Talk to your significant other and extended family.  Develop a plan and an understanding among you.

The landslide will bring it down…

If you find yourself in this situation, frustrated and scared, remember that you are not the only one.  Your parent maybe feeling the same way while trying to grapple with the reality that he or she has to be dependent (or a burden) upon you, the person whose diaper he or she used to change.  It is a difficult circumstance when your mind is sharp as a tack but your body can no longer keep up and you need help to complete the simplest tasks.  Patience and understanding can go a long way to get through together.

If you feel overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to reach out for help.  There are many resources available – even if it is just to talk to someone and process your feelings.

 

REFERENCES:

Nicks, S. (1975). Landslide.
On Fleetwood Mac [record]. California: Reprise.