It is Thanksgiving week and much to my surprise, three out of five of my children have the entire week off!!!! Imagine my shock, as I go to the elementary school for the Pilgrim & Native American 1st grade feast to see the sign in the office saying "Enjoy your week off next week". I think my exact words were...."Heaven help me!" as I fell into a faint on the floor. Mild exaggeration, but only mild. I knew one of my kids had off, the easy one, the independent one, the one who is helpful and sweet. I didn't plan on a week of bickering, and wrestling, and corner time, I have to get a game plan together and quick. This week is supposed to be all about gratitude, and love, and family. I am grateful for school, and teachers, and 6 hours of peace, oops did I just say that out loud. Ok, I can do this. I can be "play with me Mommy" for a week. It doesn't come naturally, but I can do anything in small bursts. I will break out the craft supplies, we will make turkeys, hit the parks, and of course have mandatory nap times--- every child needs his rest.
I enter this new week a little tired, but smiling. Why? No drama this weekend. We had sunshine, and sports, and cuddle time--- less the drama. Most families don't experience the intense level of emotions that the Rhodes clan does. Sure, they have the hectic life of families, perhaps some fighting, the normal mess--- perhaps a little teen hormone induced drama....but we have drama of a different kind in our house. The kind of drama caused by a brain that is shooting off crazy chemicals induced by years of trauma. When our son Victor is home, the whole world is a great big land mine. Saying the wrong thing, calling him out on behavior, or even suggesting that he not eat a 4th serving of ice cream can cause the the peace to recede, and for chaos to ensue. He is now in a boarding school for kids with emotional issues. As sad as it is that our family isn't all together--- I must admit that the peace in our household is a welcome blessing. We are learning more and more
Comments
Post a Comment