Find someone more stressed than me? Okay

June 10, 2011

Assignment: Find someone more stressed than you and do something nice for them. I’m a full-time college student with a part-time job, raising four kids by myself. IS there anyone with more stress than that?

Well, the only time period in my life that was more difficult was when I had little kids. So I have three daughters-in-law raising little kids. What could I do for one of them? Melody is babysitting for my son, Richard while he and AesaLina are on a date. It’s my son Taylor’s birthday and I overheard JAC tell Joy that they’d be picking up Tad to babysit him. So I called my son, Alden. He was at work and Sinda was alone with the two little kiddos. I asked if they’d had dinner yet and she said no and that she’d love some company. So I picked up Subway sandwiches, grabbed a little bag of Cheetos for Claudya and went over to visit.

Apparently, fit-throwing and strong-willed genes run strong in the family (which may or may not have come from me but, fortunately, it’s accompanied by charm and good looks. ;-) Just look at my grandchildren.) Claudya has been demonstrating her talents the last couple of days with a vengeance (she doesn’t want to be outdone by her cousin, Victoria—a story for another day) and when someone comes over, she’s easier to deal with than when poor Sinda is there wishing Alden would hurry home. His shift doesn’t end until 10 pm so it’s a long evening alone with demanding kids.

We ate our sandwiches and then picked about two quarts of strawberries from their little garden, more than half of which were consumed by Claudya. Sinda made a wonderful smoothie with yogurt, bananas, and strawberries and we had a good visit. She said I was an answer to prayer. I’d like to be in that position more often but I think in the past, I haven’t been “available” or listening. I guess I better start practicing.

p.s. to my friend, Kathy. I did have a nagging feeling that you fell into the "more stressed than me" category and I haven't called you yet--See? Not listening well. When finals are over, we can get together.