Just some thoughts (don't worry, there's no point)

When you're young, you see your parents as beings that could do no wrong; they keep you from danger, and even though they make you do things that you don't want to, in the end, everything's all right (assuming everything is normal).

Soon, you grow up a little more, and that hand that once guided you now feels constraining. You push back, you rebel in any way you can, and generally make life hell for your parents. Where once they were faultless, now they're insufferable and short-sighted. Despite the hormones and intense emotion, there are moments of lucidity and wonderful cooperation where you don't feel the need to argue for the sake of argument.

You mellow out, though, and you stop fighting with them as often. Notice how I didn't say never. They're still family, after all. For some people, there is still some intimidation, as these are the people that raised you from nothing. Still, you can see yourself feeling more adult.

Perhaps you skip one of these steps, but the end result generally is you see your parents as humans. Your intimidation fades, and perhaps you see them make mistakes that help you realize this fact. This is, at least for me, the point where I got a glimpse of what it would be like to be a parent. I don't have any kids- it's way too early for me- but I see now what it may be like on the other side. It can also provide you insight as to how they got to be the people they are today. There's a sort of lucidity afforded with age (I say this like I'm venerable, or even wise by any stretch of the imagination- I'm not) that provides you with the ability to see people, and infer their stories. From these experiences and inferences, you can learn positive examples or use them as cautionary tales for your own improvement. It's here you learn not to begrudge your parents their faults or shortcomings, but understand them for what they are and what it means to you.

This, I feel, is crucial in becoming more mature and balanced. It may well be that we are destined to become like our parents, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. We can still be reflections of our parents while being our own people. When you think about it, your dad didn't have the same parents you do, and if you're a product of both of your parents, how do you end up being exactly like one or the other? Pair this with the ability to discern the best and worst qualities, as well as the willpower to adapt the best and weed out the worst, and you have a person who has become like their parents, yet different altogether. This seems like a parent's ultimate legacy- shaping another human being not only actively, but through example as well.

This may seem obvious, of course. However, it is one thing to say these things, it is another thing altogether to realize them in meaning. Perhaps one of the most important things in all of this is to realize that- however fucked up they may be- your parents are still human, and they have their own separate reasons for being fucked up. Just learn from it.

So, like the title says, there's not much of a point here, so don't look too hard for one. It was just some epiphany that I felt the need to write out for my own benefit.

Because Everybody Needs A Life Goal:

Drifting lazily inside an aluminum cocoon, miles above ground and air in radiation and vacuum, you work. Bathed in flourescence, breathing recycled air and drinking recycled water, you share the cramped space with five others. The work you do is largely thankless- the public eye is focused, justifiably so, on more pressing matters on the planet. You don't mind, though; you're not doing it for the fame. You're doing it for many other reasons- adventure, knowledge, the experience... and of course, the view. Below you, the gentle curve of Earth is resplendent with the blues and greens of the South Pacific, soft white clouds casting a shadow on the water. Twenty-five minutes ago, you witnessed a brilliant sunrise illuminate the station you call your home, brighter than you ever thought possible. A little over an hour from now, you could take a spot on the other side and watch the sun disappear behind the planet once more. It is just another example of the concept of relative perspective, and it leaves you in awe as to the grandeur and scale. The experiments on the station build a solid foundation for humanity's understanding of space- an understanding that is crucial toward future exploration. However, many can be converted to everyday applications, improving life on Earth. Alloys created in microgravity allow new materials, and new properties for existing materials. Plants, animals and minerals grown and raised without a strong downward force help identify and highlight the stark differences that need to be adjusted for. Working in close concert with these five others, you blaze a trail for humanity's future.

As is fitting for such an extraordinary experience, only hard work and diligence has enabled your stay here. Sacrifice, focus, and patience have enabled you to learn the skills, and time spent serving your country has provided you with the experience necessary to achieve such an esteemed position. Looking back, you're glad you stuck to your plans, and never lost heart. Encouraging words would have been helpful, though, for all of the difficult times, especially at the beginning, and during your stay in the military. If you could go back in time and say something to yourself, it would probably go something like this:

"It is worth it. For every ounce of strength and will invested, for all of the time spent planning and worrying, for the sacrifices made; it will be returned tenfold in wonderment and satisfaction. Every moment spent is novel, an experience worthy of note unto itself. Satisfaction resides in the knowledge that you are on the forefront of human development, setting an example and allowing others to learn from your work. Always keep this in mind. Remember: perspective is key. When the weight of the world and its trifles bear down on your shoulders, never lose sight of your ultimate goal. It is purpose that keeps us driven, and drive that achieves our purpose."

Or, in other words:

"Just don't forget that all of this work and petty bullshit now means that you'll be able to go into space later."