tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177425200404128301.post4583269138006139766..comments2011-01-24T15:59:33.817-05:00Comments on Eclectic Experiment: Who gets to say?carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00483414028348315498noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177425200404128301.post-12478530344209169572007-05-14T16:46:00.000-05:002007-05-14T16:46:00.000-05:00I know I was sort of all over the place in this po...I know I was sort of all over the place in this post. Part of the catalyst was Mother's Day and not wanting to feel like a failure while someone talked about the great art of mothering and all their perfect kids from the pulpit. Thankfully, that didn't happen. But, none-the-less, I got started thinking about whether I really am a failure or a success, and who the heck gets to say anyway. I'm not even sure <I>I</I> am qualified to say! LOL!<BR/><BR/>Like you, Julie, my kids and my life are a mixed bag. There are things I love about my children. I mean, I really think they are special people who are loving and interesting much of the time. On the other hand, they absolutely drive me crazy, and yes, they have disappointed me. They have failed at things I know they can succeed at. And I admit too that I get embarrasssed. <I>My</I> son, the one who has tested in the gifted range for math, got a <I>what</I> in physics??? <BR/><BR/>Just last week we got his physic and trig grades. We weren't real happy. I was reminded, for some perverse reason, about those braggy Christmas letters some people send. I've often threatened to send an "anti-brag" letter, and when I knew L's grades, I thought of how I'd put that in a Christmas letter...<BR/><BR/>"Our oldest son, Luke, basically failed physics last year and barely passed trig. He scraped through in Western Lit, did well in economics and somehow BS'd his way through civics. But enough about that! This fall he will start a tech degree at our local community college which should allow him plenty of time to continue to perfect his gaming skills! It will also give him more time to watch anime until all hours of the night, and text message his girlfriend. This is <I>so</I> what er'd envisioned for him all those years ago while he lay in his crib, asleep."<BR/><BR/>Seriously though...you're right, we are an intect family. We love each other and most get along. We have created a support network for our children and I honestly think they feel safe here. We're not perfect, but my kids like us and seek us out to spend time with us. Our future son-in-law came up to my room the other night when we were the only ones in the house and talked for an hour and a half. He sought out my company and advice. We laughed. I was so touched at how good our relationship is. I get hugs multiple times a day from my teenage boys. Luke asked me to dance twice at his prom. Thomas made it a point to sit with me at church on Mother's Day with his arm around me most of the time. <BR/><BR/>Success or failure?? I guess it depends on what question your asking. ;-)carriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00483414028348315498noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1177425200404128301.post-12293772930698649032007-05-14T15:13:00.000-05:002007-05-14T15:13:00.000-05:00Oh how I get where you're coming from! Remember - ...Oh how I get where you're coming from! Remember - Noah quit high school after his junior year and never did finish or graduate. He took his senior year off and the next year too. I had to get to that bottom level assessment where a young adult who was not a danger to himself or others and who I enjoyed being with was enough for me.<BR/><BR/>Also, one time another mom asked me if Noah liked cool stuff. Somehow that helped me as it seemed he did.<BR/><BR/>I used to think it would be so sad if we died without seeig how everything turned out. Heck, I still think that's sad. But there's nothing to be done about it.<BR/><BR/>Another friend mentioned that he works in what he calls micro-ministry - meaning he works in small definable social groups... the family is the ultimate unit. So at least in this sense, you are still married to Will and you have created a family with love and commitment to each other.<BR/><BR/>I wish we did get report cards and could know if we had succeeded. In the end, we journey through.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00088119765077193302noreply@blogger.com