Comments on: Diversion

By: Cottage Magpie

Cottage Magpie — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 20:15:10 +0000

WOW! I’m really impressed at how calm you were able to appear, though you claim you were not calm. What a horrible experience! I certainly would not have been calm. I’m sure I would have alienated quite a few people! I don’t look forward to dealing with these types of potential issues.

However, meanwhile, the peonies are lovely! ~A

____________________________________

Well, while it hasn’t happened in a long time, I had quite a bit of experience dealing with these melt-downs and the consequences in his early years. You really do get to a point where you can navigate with a bit of skill. And, I do get frustrated, I just wait until I get home to vent it all. ~W

By: the wine makers wife

the wine makers wife — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 19:59:16 +0000

Ya know… Boy Wonder did his best in a situation where he felt uncomfortable. I respect that.

____________________________________

I think so too. He certainly tried to resolve it. ~W

By: IZ

IZ — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 08:29:57 +0000

15 year old on power trip + 10 year old made irrational by said teen = nuclear meltdown. “Icky Vicky” got poor Timmy Turner, er, uh, Boy Wonder… I’m sure he was wondering WHERE THE HELL his fairly oddparents were… and why they hadn’t yet appeared to turn her into a frog…

____________________________________

Yeah, she definitely abused the power given. I’m glad it’s over. ~W

By: saidra

saidra — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 05:43:09 +0000

See…this is why I don’t go to church (ok, just kidding) I’m so glad he is learning to trust his instincts and that you guys seem to be able to talk this out. I feel really weird saying that because it seems so very natural to know your child this well…but, I am frequently amazed at most parents I know who just take sides without really listening and talking…Yay for both of you!

____________________________________

I’m all for taking my kid’s “part”—in that I’ll be the voice that advocates for him and his perspective. However, there are always two sides to every story. It’s worth it iff only to help him think through the consequences so we learn something, you know? ~W

By: mary beth

mary beth — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 04:38:04 +0000

Oh my! You are such a wonderful writer…you always have me laughing, even amidst the chaos and torture BW went through…and yes that peony is so sweet and peaceful. I’m hoping for a blossom on mine this year.

_____________________________________

Thank you! I’m glad you were laughing. I sometimes wonder if people who know me in person hear the humor in my writing more than those who don’t? Because, sometimes jokes are in the tonality. I actually read the piece out-loud to IZ and we cracked up through it. I hope you get a peony or two this year. ~W

By: Vanessa V

Vanessa V — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 04:26:17 +0000

Oh my! I love that child of yours. I am sooo like him. if I don’t like the scenario, I am uncomfortable, then I am outta there. The good thing is he has good instincts. The really good thing also, is that you know that if in a really really serious situation, his instincts will kick in and he will get out. Oh yes… Sadira and I.. Well, I thought the gifts would be great.. hee heee….

____________________________________

He is a character, really. As for you and Miss Sadie, that’s a hoot! ~W

By: cindy

cindy — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 02:47:33 +0000

Oh man, poor kid! I hope he remembers the bathroom trick if there’s ever a next time! Sooooo, I’m guessing you won’t be becoming members of that church, eh? We used to drive down to Seaside to go to church when we were in Astoria. Most of the churches in Astoria were either a denomination we weren’t part of, or full of very old (very cute) people. We needed something else. Good luck finding a good one! And congrats to BW for not having to get violent on that 15 yr old!

____________________________________

It was an ordeal and I’m glad to be past it. I think I’m just now recovered. ~W

By: kat

kat — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 01:19:28 +0000

The poor kid. Well it sounds like if another situation ever arises, he’ll be sure to ask to use the bathroom Glad to hear everything is calming down Stress can really do an number on you!

_____________________________________

It’s exhausting, isn’t it? I’m certainly ready for summer break! ~W

By: sulu-design

sulu-design — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 23:44:01 +0000

Oh, Wende, what a disaster! At least after it was all over he was able to laugh at the bathroom suggestion. It sounds like things are quite crazy now, but it also sounds like the craziness will come to an end soon due to deadlines. I wish you some tranquility after the storm. By the way, I didn’t bat an eye at the church cocktail hour - have you ever been to a Catholic celebration? We know how to get our drink on!

___________________________________

Things are nuts. Or were, we’re almost done and all the major stuff is finished. And yes, it was an absolute fiasco. Compounded with the fact that I ran that conversation in the end like I was the person in charge. It became very clear when I stated my issues, that it was going to be up to me to address it. Evidently, Seminary training comes in handy here. OOF!! ~W

By: Miz S

Miz S — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 23:34:38 +0000

Well, I already heard the short version of this from you, so I’m only going to repeat what I said in my email which was that the church needs a new babysitter.

The peony pictures are really beautiful.

____________________________________

In listening to him process what happened, he kept referencing her age. I guess she held it over him, but what it says to me is that he needs to be supervised by someone he respects and trusts. I think the age difference between them wasn’t sufficient enough for him to view her as an authority—and my guess is, she’s never met a kid like BW who would challenge her like that. Why it was so darned important to keep him locked in, is beyond me. But that falls on the adult who set up the program.

In weird way, I think the basic issue I have is from a Welcoming perspective. If I hadn’t been involved with this church for some time now, I don’t think I’d go back. Not because my kid had a problem, but because they thought it appropriate to welcome adults into the church and not the kids. It’s never really OK in my book, for an institution like the church to exclude. But now, I’m going to start preaching about the intergenerational deficit so prevalent in mainline congregations. That would be bad.

Oh, and Vicki… I hope you’re paying attention to this. Because it starts to answer your questions about why I’m not getting ordained!