I felt like a grownup when….

The first time I actually felt like a grownup was when I read a eulogy for my father at the age of 15. My uncle, who I adore, was standing at the podium behind me in the chapel. He had told me to let him know if I needed him to step in. There was a point when I felt I couldn’t continue, but I heard him crying so hard, though he tried to stifle it, and felt him shaking as his hands were on my shoulders. I summoned all my strength in that moment and finished the eulogy.