Complaint Department

Back when they were living at home,  it was easier to know  to know when the boys had grounds for their complaints.  I was aware of the complexities of a number of situations and was able to figure out when they had a legitimate gripe or if they were just fussing.  It’s a little harder now, when so much of their lives happens way beyond my realm.  Was their supervisor unfair?  Should they have gotten a higher grade on that paper?

My instincts turn me into Mama Bear and my first inclination is to take my boy’s side in any situation. I would fight for him no matter the cost.

But then I have to be honest:  I know the capacity of a good human being to complain without cause.  (Yeah, I do it myself sometimes.)

So when I hear about how the food is awful, exams are ridiculously difficult, textbooks are useless– I try to take a step back.  Maybe my kid is just venting.  And all I can do about it is listen.  And bake some cookies.

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The Dog is pretty excited, too

One of our Messiah College boys moved home from the Grantham campus last Friday. I have to start getting more groceries, because I had totally gotten used to buying a half gallon of milk instead of a gallon. And the kid has gotten used to all-you-can-eat at Lottie Nelson Dining room, and let me tell you, he can eat plenty.

We have a little more competition for the TV now, but seriously, I don’t care what channel is on if I can play with his hair while we watch the sports network together. And I kinda like having those size 11 shoes sitting beside the door once more. Even if they smell a little.

The laughter, the music, the footsteps. All welcome sounds. And tomorrow we pick up the other son from his semester in New York City. We can’t wait to hear the stories of their adventures, academic and otherwise, and even our 14-year-old dog seems rejuvenated!

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