So anyone that knows Elijah knows he tells LONG stories. He's 8 and has all the time in the world. He tells stories about World of Warcraft, Call of Duty, ICarley and some are just made up. So I was cleaning the kitchen and Eli's in deep into a story about Russian Espionage during the war (yeah, he's 8) and about fighting and going on and on and on. I am getting frustrated because I am lost in the story and I don't know what he's talking about, nor do I give a rat's ass. So I tell him I have to go to the bathroom and I'll be back. So I go to the bathroom....then I hear him in my room (the bathroom is in my bedroom) and I can hear his handcuffs rattling (his story was a live demonstration with handcuffs, too). I sit in the bathroom and try to wait him out. I am reading a magazine, I don't want to hear more about this story and secret agents. Then like a stab in the heart a rush of guilt overwhelms me. My sister is dead. She will never get to hear a story from her children. She will never get to hold them or kiss them or love them on this earth. What a stupid bitch I am. What a horrible mother. I get myself together and go out to sit on the bed to hear the rest of his story. I listened like I have never listened before. I kissed him and told him I live for his stories. I could see the pride in his eyes.
Love your children. Love your family.
That just makes you human Joey! I understand your pain with getting frustrated and then feeling guilty I dont know a mother that doesnt! Give yourself some slack girl! We have all been there.. I find myself doing that with my 10 year old that cant tell a short version about anything... I get frustrated Tone him out nod my head etc.... then Get pissed at myself and GO hey Dumbass he is only going to be young enough to care to tell you stories for so long.. Snap out of it...
ReplyDeleteI get pissed that I lost my brother long before I had kids and he didnt get to be the best uncle ever nor did he get to be a dad and he loved kids so much..
Take a deep breath and know that your not alone.
Hugs girl
Gina
This is a great message and I great reminder of how easily we can take things for granted...especially our loved ones. I too need more patience (especially lately at the tail end of this pregancy. Talk about bitchy and a horrible mother) and I will use this as a reminder...just take a breather...collect myself...and then react with love instead of the alternative(s). Love this! Thanks for sharing, Joey!
ReplyDeleteMy 8 yr old also loves to tell me stories, especially about tv shows he is watching or what he did at this dad's house. I usually pretend to listen and just smile and nod every now and then, cuz like you, I don't really care about what just happened on Phineas and Pherb. Most of the time, I shoo him out of the room and tell him I am busy, and then feel like a really crappy mom for it. I believe from now on I am going to try and be a little more, actually A LOT more patient and listen to him. He just wants to be heard like the rest of us. Thank you, Joey, for giving me an ah-ha moment tonight.
ReplyDeleteand no different with girls, loving to tell long drawn-out stories! Ali bores me to death with all the crap that happened on those stupid shows. And Nathan's stories about what happened during various sporting events - (cause he watches ESPN and every other sports channel)...but, you summed it up and made me think again. My own mother might have been a better one if she had listened more, and I really do try to listen more to my children, but we ALL need these reminders!
ReplyDeleteLove, jeana