Do you ever feel that you were born old?
That this was not your first time on the pony ride?
NO? If not, either read on because you relate, are intrigued or question or disagree. All are welcome at my round table discussion. Post at will.
As for me, it all began when I was 8 and I decided to befriend the school misfit.
Why do such a radical thing? Why rock the boat? Why? Why? Why?
Who nows? All I know, is that all these years later, in my core, I wasn't having any more of it.
The "it" being what was expected or accepted or demanded.
Yep, at the ripe old age of 8, I basically said "screw you" to the status quo. Although I am quite sure I would never have uttered, nor have THOUGHT to utter such words, although I might have expressed it in a different way.
Two years earlier, I have photographic evidence that I wasn't going to toe the party line. Flashback, Kindergarten, class picture. Everyone's hands are folded as instructed. Mine? Mine are flat on the desk. Where am I in the pix? Front and center.
So back to my point. There is one...really.
My oldest son is in 3rd grade and things are shifting. He was 8 at the beginning of this school year (kharma anyone?) and already I'm seeing all around him the same ponying up to the socio-mathematical "mean".
Do you go with the flow, the majority, the 'in" crowd?
Or do you chart your own course with a true compass, which in my book boils down to the Golden Rule? Are you hurting or helping with your actions, words and/or deeds?
Already I see his conflict.
But I also see his center.
And that.....that gives me hope.
That somewhere, somehow, despite my less than perfect parenting, I am helping him find his way.
And in doing so, he has returned the favor.
2 comments:
This summer? Are you getting together this summer? Did I somehow miss this? Oooh, my southern girls getting together without me? Will I be able to stand it?
Sorry. Moving on.
I think I remember the three of us having a similar conversation over a glass of wine. :)
My Jacob, my 8 year old!, is just who you're describing. I got an email from his teacher yesterday telling me how friendly and positive he is. She said he's befriended a new student and is helping him write a story in class. Jacob's first best friend made fun of him for playing with the new kid, but Jacob stood up for himself and is having a great time with his new friend.
Damn we're good.
Yep Co, I get to see Nancy's and her new house in August. She lives right on the way to my folks and they have offered to take the kiddos for two weeks...WOOT!
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