NOT "same old same old"

Today was Hans' first day back to school. I decided to walk with him - I told him it was more for me than for him! So, we did walk together this morning. After he came back home, Hans casually mentioned that he was the loser who walked to school with his mom! That hurt! I quickly asked him if it would have been OK if I had driven him to school?! I only got silence in response.

What's with some kids who don't want to be seen with their parents in the open?!

Last week, Craigley, Hans and I dropped off ASid at Mary's residence. Prior to the drop-off, ASid and I had an argument and I declared that I should stay home, and he could go with his dad and brother. After a bit of silence, followed by a brief exchange of words, ASid insisted that I accompany him. I am glad he did. The 2 of us got to do some grocery shopping after many months and it was a pleasant ride with the 4 of us together. I was also happy to see Mary. She brought back edible gifts for the family from her home country and she was waiting to hand them to me. If I had chosen to stay home in anger and self-pity, I would have missed making some precious memories.

ASid is 19 and still a teenager in some ways, but he seemed to have developed a desire to make me part of his life. Hans is 12 and I guess he is at that age where he wants to break free from the maternal strings attached to him.

If I have learned anything from the pandemic, it is to count my blessings. The boys will go through their own emotional ups and downs while I am going through mine. I must not take words said in the heat of the moment too personally and I must definitely not dwell on one word so it could ruin an entire day!