I'm still my parent's child, I'm still me, but I made a choice. I evolved into Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. I think it has to do with evolution.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I long remained a child, and I am still one in many respects.
Being a parent gives you historical perspective. You have thoughts about how you fit into a larger generational drama - those who came before and those who will come after.
I always appreciated that connection between a parent and a kid because I yearned for it so much. Growing up, I wanted a father, and because I've had this idea of what a father should be, it's exciting to finally have the opportunity to try and be that guy, to see if I can actually do it.
What we did in our childhoods makes us who we are now.
It's easy for me to say that now, now I'm a father, I've got a four-and-a-half year old boy, I'm a different person. Well, I'm still the same person, but I'm different.
When you become a parent, you look at your parents differently. You look at being a child differently. It's an awakening, a revelation that you have.
I don't remember being a child, and that's why I think I'm so child-like now in my unending curiosity and approach to life.
Unlike most other children, - especially unlike those of today - who are eager to become men and women as speedily as possible, I had a terror of growing up, which became more and more accentuated as I grew older.
I wanted to grow up to be just like my father.
I became the kind of parent my mother was to me.