Remember when I said I was ready to give my car away? Well, that's what I did yesterday. I posted it on our local Freecycle listserv (www.freecycle.org). Within minutes I was inundated by emails, some from people in pretty desperate need of a car. The guy who got the car is a shadetree mechanic, and wanted to fix the car up for his daughter. She's got about 2.5 years before she reaches driving age, so he's got plenty of time to tinker with Red (the aforementioned car). He brought his wife and 3 of their kids: Kandi (the M.R.S.), Chelsea (12/13, the recipient), Noah (4), and Shane (2). We met them at the house we just moved out of and within 30 seconds Noah, Shane, and Nick were running around, picking up branches, having swordfights, and just being generally rambunctious. I've never seen Nick spend so much time or have as much fun playing in the yard as he did yesterday. My Noah looked on longingly. Don't worry son - you'll be playing with dirt and tree limbs before you know it. It took Johnny (the husband) about 20 minutes to hook up the car, and we made some small talk to give the boys a little extra play time. Eventually they left, and the smiles on their faces made my day.
So what else happened yesterday... Nick began kindergarten. Surprisingly, the M.R.S. didn't cry when we left him there, nor did I become nervous. I guess the previous year of 4-K acclimated more people than Nick.
Jalen had his orientation for 7th-graders last night. I met his teachers, and made a feeble attempt to have a constructive conversation with his mom. We made some small talk, but I did get to talk with Jalen a bit. I caught him up with what's been going on since we last talked. I found out that the reason he's a little hesitant to commit to Jamaica for the Feast is because he's afraid of flying. He had on a "King of the South" t-shirt on with a picture of the rapper T.I.; let's just say I was not thrilled at his mom's choice of clothes. I assume if he has the guys shirt, then he knows the guys music (especially given the airplay he gets here and on BET). This non-custodial parent things sucks BIG-TIME. Since he doesn't get any of my phone calls I mailed him a letter Wednesday. He didn't get it yesterday, but I told him to make sure he checked the mail today (just in case, you understand). It was good to see him, and to hear the teachers say the nice things they'd heard about him from his 6th-grade teachers.
Anything else happen? Oh yeah, I turned 35 yesterday. I received several surprise e-cards and phone calls, including one from my maternal grandmother. She usually sends me $5 for my birthday, but this year the date slipped up on her. She's not doing too bad for a soon-to-be 86 year-old. One more year in this place and I will have spent exactly half of my life in Clio and half in the Clemson area. I wanna go home before this place becomes home. I forgot - there are no jobs there. *sigh*
Oh well, I guess that wraps up another edition of This is My Life... Tune in (probably) Monday for the next episode... Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel...
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3 comments:
Holy Bummer Batman! Seriously, the situation with Jalen must weigh heavy at times. Always remember, that you are in the thoughts & prayers of many and our hopes are that things will eventually go your way. At least, that the situation will better itself to allow you more time with Jalen.
Very glad to hear that Nick is doing well and that the first day is behind him. Also, I'm glad to see that you were able to be rid of "Red" while helping someone else out in the process.
Hope you had a great birthday. As far as the years, it's all in the head (the back and/or knees for some though). Keep up your exercising and time will stand still for you. See you tomorrow!
It breaks my heart to hear about situations like yours/Jalen's. There are so many broken families in the church, it seems.
I truly feel that just b/c a child is or is not "raised in the church" doesn't decided his/her fate. He will remember what you did & the example you were when he's older.
It sounds like you're doing the best job possible. Hang in there! I understand it must be saddening & frustrating at times but you seem to be keeping a positive attitude and you have the prayers. All in all, one day things will be much, much better.
We're still looking forward to your visit to San Antonio. Keep us posted on it. I know it's still a ways away. (=
OOPS!
From Previous Comment-
.... the prayers __________. (please insert "of many." (=
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