Is There Anything We Can Do to Help, Honey?

I laugh and smile and shake my head when I hear those words? Why? Because I recognize the honest emotional intent behind them. I know that it is sincere, but I also know that it is often the latest sincere thought that my tribe of men have!

Saturday, they all headed out to two basketball games. They sat in the stands and were entertained as the players ran up and down the court. They cheered and jeered and laughed and visited. They had a great time! I was glad that father and sons were out together enjoying what men love the most next to competing themselves—watching others compete! It is the very essence of men, at least the men in my house. Everything is a game. Everything is a competition. For them it makes life more exciting, more purposeful, more worth their effort if they are in competition with a worthy opponent!

I stayed home in the peace and quiet. It is not something I get very often. I had some lesson plans to get to. I had yet to ride my stationary bike. I biked, showered, worked on lesson plans, met my friend for lunch, came back and did some more lesson plans and some laundry. Then just as my quiet workday was over the phone rings, and I am informed my men are on their way home. Within a few short minutes they burst in upon my solitude. Now, maybe you imagine them all running to me with hugs and kisses and hello mom! Those of you who have older sons know that is not realistic! They did not do this. I think I might have gotten one hello from one of them. I am not sure. What I did distinctly hear is: “Let’ race!” They all ran right over to our very large television screen and the Nintendo that was hooked up and not even cold yet from the game they played before they left for the basketball games. Before I knew what had decimated my solitude and peace and quiet, my house was filled with shouts and screams and good-natured name-calling as they all raced and battled one another around the track with Mario Kart.

Don’t get me wrong. I do not say this with anger or resentment or a perturbed demeanor. I say it with joy, with humor, with a smile upon my face.