Growing up is an integral part of every person’s life and is the next stage in personality development. In “We take vacations,” Melissa Day Reid tells the story of a young girl’s transition from childhood to adulthood. The story’s main focus is interaction within the main character’s family and the role parents play during this life stage. In particular, the story tells about two days in the life of the Ford family, which they spend on vacation, exchanging houses with a wealthier family. The main character also celebrates her birthday, which is a turning point in her life, as it marks her coming of age. In the end, the reader observes the process of separation of the daughter from the family and her exit into the adult world, which is the story’s central theme. The mother, in this case, acts as a guide to the new world for the girl, a guide that helps in her transition to adult life.
One of the most significant details that give an idea of the disclosure of the theme in the story is reflected in the title. The work’s main character notes that it is not customary in their family to give gifts; instead, they take vacations. This aspect reveals some of the interesting details that make up the portrait of the Ford family. First of all, this information allows the reader to put together the most comprehensive picture of the relationships within it. The story’s beginning emphasizes that the Ford family is not wealthy, which may explain their habit of not giving each other presents. Most likely, the main character’s parents need to choose what they can spend money on. They prioritize vacations rather than material objects, which may underline their desire to create shared experiences and memories. This aspect is the basis for the disclosure of the theme in this story, as it allows you to understand what values are preserved in the Ford family. Despite modest financial resources, family members try to be close and support each other and spend time together.
As the story unfolds, the reader may realize that the family’s impressions of the described vacations are the most vivid and unusual. However, they treat it more as a new pleasant experience than something extraordinary. New experiences as such are not the main focus of their vacations; rather, they spend time with each other. This aspect is best illustrated in the episode of whale watching that the Ford family went to after going to a fancy restaurant. In particular, family members do not have time to take the most convenient places for observation, which does not upset them at all. On the contrary, the protagonist notes that people like the Ford family should watch the more motivated people in the thick of things. Thus, the author emphasizes that this family is a completely ordinary, average family that has the same interests. It is remarkable how humbly they treat their situation, considering it as completely normal and not trying to change it.
This episode is one of the most significant in the entire story, as it contains one more detail that frames the theme of the work. The main character notes that they watched two adult whales and a juvenile, which will drift apart after the migration. Given that when going to a restaurant, the main character drinks champagne for the first time and also receives a dress as a gift before that, the reader can understand that the described birthday was special for the girl. This day marked her coming of age and the imminent separation from her parents, most likely immediately upon her return from vacation. Thus, the described days with her parents will be for her the last days of her childhood, which she can spend carefree.
The story also presents two episodes when the girl’s mother comes to her, most likely in her dream, and asks her to go outside. The first time the main character ignores this, but the second time, at the end of the story, she still follows the request. These events most clearly illustrate the process of the girl’s transition from childhood to adulthood. In this situation, the mother acts for her as a guide to a new world outside the family. Although she hears her mother’s voice, when she goes outside, the main character does not detect her. The same thing happens in life when a child uses parental advice and support as a path to the big world, in which an adult person is already completely alone. Despite this, the image of parents and their presence does not leave a person but forms a safe space for more confident development in a new quality.
This argument is also supported by the interaction of the main character and her mother with the dress of the daughter of the owners of the house. In particular, the girl puts on a dress that is clearly not enough for her because of her age. This is probably how she subconsciously strives to maintain her role as a child and is in no hurry to grow up. The baby dress illustrates her unpreparedness for a new adult life since this stage came unexpectedly for her. In the dream, the main character’s mother also wore this dress and fooled around with her daughter, noting that it helps her remember her youth. This detail reveals that every adult, not only during the transition from childhood but with age, remains attached to the early years of life. Despite the fact that growing up is inevitable, people are rarely ready for it and probably do not fully realize it.
The theme of the main character’s transition to a new adult world is also connected with the succession of generations. As noted, members of the Ford family do not experience disappointment in their modest living situation. They accept with dignity and modesty their role in society. Perhaps the call to come out for the Levochski can also be associated with the opening of new horizons for development outside the family and its usual development path. On the other hand, this element can also illustrate the author’s understanding of the succession of generations. Despite the separation from her family, the main character has a similar mindset and can continue the same lifestyle that was familiar to her in the family. In any case, the story tells about the short transition from childhood to adulthood and also emphasizes the role that the image of parents plays in this process.