Tuesday, September 16, 2008

My Front-Up Plan

Kids. You gotta love 'em.

They have a way of making you smile, even when you think it not possible. I am very tired tonight. Not sleeping well at night .... not getting along with hubby .... financial stresses. I could go on and on. Listening to Gingo and Lou complain about their homework this evening was just what I didn't want to hear.

Then Gingo read me her short story. I caught bits and pieces here and there in between Lou's math problems:

young girl .... bucket of milk .... sell milk, buy chickens ..... sell eggs, get money .... buy dress ..... get hair done ..... look beautiful ..... spilled her milk ....

Gingo had to summarize the story and came to the conclusion that the moral of the story is to always have a back-up plan. I figured I'd take it one step further and ask "and why is it a good idea to have a back-up plan, Gingo?"

Her response: "In case your front-up plan doesn't work!"

And it's as simple as that.

Even as Lou teased her, and told her there is no such thing as a 'front-up' plan - Gingo wouldn't budge. She enjoyed the snicker with Lou and I, but stood firm. The opposite of back is front, therefore you would need a back-up plan in case your front-up plan didn't work. Period. End of discussion.

For all of the extra baggage we carry as adults; the hurts we carry forward; the anger we can't let go of .... If we could all just step back, and see things with the simplicity and innocence of a child ... wouldn't we all be so much happier!

Makes my ongoing battle with hubby look silly. I've actually started calling them my marital bliss-ters. Yes, blisters. A 'flaw on the surface.' Mildly painful. Mostly irritating. Only skin deep. Something that with time and some tender loving care will heal. I hope. (Most days, anyway).

I'm so good at complicated. I redefine complicated. I own complicated. Maybe I'm so wrapped up in the emotion. The worry. The drama. That I've lost sight of what matters. What's real. What's now.

Maybe I need to re-evaluate my front-up plan.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Beautiful Roses From My Beautiful Daughter

Dear Lou,

Thank you for the beautiful flowers today. Red and yellow roses. They look absolutely gorgeous on my table, and certainly do bring a smile to my face every time I look at them. It means so much that you thought of me. It really did cheer me up!

Love and hugga buggas

Mommy.