By Sandra Miskie
aka: "Grandma Geezer" Ph.d
My youngest son called me the other day...
...And said he needed to apologize.
For the life of me I couldn't think of what he had done that would require such a phone call. He was the child that took the most energy and kept me hopping. Probably why I stayed more physically active until he got married.
Every day was questionable. A call from the school or college, a drive to the emergency room or doctor, a visit from the police to bring him home at four years of age when he ran away, a visit to the fire department - and I could go on.
But! One day really stands out.
The day the principal from his private school called and had to talk to me immediately.
He was not one for following rules especially the ones from the Christian school he was attending.
All the boys had to wear belts and tuck in their shirts. He did not like to wear belts nor did he tuck in his shirt and I was about ready to find out why. Of course this call came on a day I had just been stabbed by a student who had not been given his ADHD meds.
Principal: "Dr. Miskie I hate to call you but your son will have to be suspended because this is the third time he was caught not wearing a belt. Can we meet after school?"
Me: "I understand your rules are why I put him there and I want him to follow them. However, meeting after school is not possible because I have just been stabbed in the leg by a student and I am on my way to the emergency room. (There was blood pooling on the floor as we talked.) Can we do this in the morning because this is important."
Principal: Oh, no! I am so sorry. Never mind we can keep him in school.
Me: I will see you tomorrow morning.
Needless to say, the stabbing incident put everything into a different perspective
and the principal wanted to drop the whole thing...but I wouldn't let him. My son needed discipline and he needed to follow instructions. He would never hold a job or make anything of himself without it.
TRUST ME ON THIS.
The hours I put into this child were well worth it.
Back to why my son called me.
"Mom! Please forgive me for not appreciating all the things you did for me!"
I started to cry.
What brought this all about I asked? He said,"Remember my car wreck yesterday? Well today I am not feeling well and the boys are wanting me to pick up their friends after I worked all day and take them to youth group in this blizzard! They can't understand why I said no and told them if they want to come, they can walk over to the house."
I could tell he had lost it. I couldn't help but roar with laughter and said, "Welcome to real parenting!"
He went on to reiterate all the times I put up with his friends in the house and occasionally lost my temper. Now he understood compleeeeeeetely!
I have to tell you - it felt good to hear his understanding.
Again I repeat...
...TRUST ME ON THIS!
...TRUST ME ON THIS!
Nothing is more rewarding than seeing my son do well in his career and I really have forgotten all the hurt. I love watching him be with his children and work on being a good husband. I especially love the humor he continues to bring to the family...we still never know what will happen with his antics.
Put in the work of parenting because it pays off.
Smiling Ear to Ear,
Grandma Geezer Ph.d
