Being 18

 

I will not hide the fact that being 18 is far, far in my rearview mirror. Many things have changed since those days — just the sheer nature of technology — but some things will always be universal. It is a magic number that signifies you have somehow entered adulthood. You can serve in the military but can’t buy a beer. You suddenly are responsible and accountable for so many things on a legal level. And with all these great big responsibilities, you realize you feel exactly the same. You look forward to it for years and years — being a grownup — but you feel the same. You don’t feel grown up at all.

Click here to read Ascension: Jakob’s Ladder “18” [Chap. 3].

Jakob’s journey has already had its forecasted dark years in Hi, I’m Lance. While it is sometimes tough to watch someone go through hard times, thankfully we know he comes out at the other end stronger once the right person enters his life. We just have to remember he gets there.

Jakob learns to survive at this young age because he is completely forced to. I have friends at several ages. I know gay friends much older than me and much younger than me. Things have gotten better (for sure), but that doesn’t mean coming to terms with who you are is necessarily easier. It is more widely accepted today, which helps, but coming out still requires courage a straight person doesn’t have to require. Not to say everyone doesn’t have personal challengers, because we call do. Everyone. But these are our stories.

One thing I find very moving in this chapter is the departure of the Petriellos. Jakob’s youth was at the very beginnings of cell phones, and him being without one and the Petriellos starting a new life, it is just unfortunate that they become disconnected. Readers may recall that in [Chap. 31] of Hi, I’m Lance, when Jakob hears from them again after several years, he is overcome with emotion. Seeing the beginning point here in this chapter, the reader can now somewhat bring it full circle.

Click here to read Hi, I’m Lance [Chap. 31].

Stay with him for the next few chapters. Jakob needs all the friends he can.