If Your Children Are Pushing Your Buttons, Be Grateful
It felt like the one millionth trip to the orthodontist when my sons were in braces at the same time. It was a full time job chauffeuring them around suburbia when they were 11 and 13 years old. Doctor, dentist, psychologist, friends, school, repeat.
11 year old had an appointment after school one day so after picking them both up at the bus stop which is 1/4 mile from our house I had one errand to run at the shopping center then we had to go.
I was getting in the car when 13 year old starts begging for a sandwich from Subway on the other side of the parking lot. I firmly told him no because it would make us late, but he took off at a full run. I am not able to run at all or even walk normally. Yelling was no help. I know when I am defeated. I drove over to get him at the sandwich shop, then on to the orthodontist. I don’t recall if we were late. I do remember being furious with him at first for being able to outrun me.
As I was driving on, I calmed down with the knowledge that I am fortunate to be the one the Universe chose to become disabled instead of my sons. I have seen many children with disabilities over the years in clinics and therapeutic settings. I was always grateful to be there for myself and not my kids.
My son had the intelligence, will and ability to execute a defiant plan to get what he wanted. I never forgot that day or stopped appreciating my kid’s ability to defy me.
