This is a terrific piece of writing that I loved reading and want to re-read. You're being such a good dad, so many misfortunes, your son justifies your trust in his judgment, and now NEW ORLEANS? I'm in the middle of moving, stressed out, and came across this gem of a read to change my mood. So glad you're here, Mike.
And bonus after all that, it gave you something amazing to write about. Enjoy your unexpected trip and time together... and please do write about both the highlights and lowlights. Apart from that, speedy and full healing to your young ‘un!
Sounds like it was just meant to be. Enjoy the vaca!! And I really can’t express how much I enjoy your story telling... I feel like I’m sitting right next to you, telling it to me in person 💕
I could feel your burnout completely. Life can really suck. I have ADHD and in moments of crisis, I rise like a rockstar able to organize and put together whatever needs to be handled. I don't take no for an answer and get it done. But it comes at a cost for sure. For me it isn't kids, as I don't have any children, but caring for my parents. First my mom with dementia and then my dad who is 94 and really struggled with a hip replacement last year. The appointments are endless and necessary and I've been fortunate to make good decisions. But it is at the expense of any life of my own. I get a bit of momentum then get a call and it takes over. I haven't turned my phone off in 9 years. Thankfully you know that with a bit of time, your son will be back better than ever! That is a happy ending.
I’m happy that you’re having a holiday with your son. When he’s the age you are now, he’ll have this memory. And he’ll always know that you were there for him when he needed you.
NOLA is the best! And the weather will be wonderful. As a next-town-over native: if you like Spanish food, do yourself a favor and have dinner at Lola's. Our fav place :) And suck a bunch of (crawfish) heads!
Gosh, reading this took me back to my Middle Ages. I like the wire part in the string of lights. You know what it takes to carry a current? Most parents do not know what gauge they are and how soft and vulnerable a gauge wire can be while still performing it’s purpose. I’m grateful I’m still plugged into my children’s lives, they have always been my current for living.
You untangle that strand of lights as well as any parent can. The brightest light is not necessarily the most memorable. The constant warm glow is what holds us. NOLA will be an absolute blast!
As the parent of a competitive gymnast, this story is incredibly relatable. Ruling out a broken bone, rehabbing, dr.'s notes to return to practice. The process is frustrating and time consuming and yes, there are some rainbows. You just have to look really hard, sometimes. And her experiences have built the kind of character that has led to success and recognition in college and life.
I would guess most of us have had the "this happened ... and then this happened ... and then this other thing happened ... and after all that I had no idea which way was up & what I should do next" - so glad the "next" turned out to be something special that ALMOST/possibly definitely, made up for all of it??
Love love love the way you write - hope we get to hear lots about the trip!
Well I’m sobbing again. Wow do you capture it all. A. Now I want to go to New Orleans B. You are an excellent dad and C. My mantra is expectations are the death of serenity. Your son will enter adulthood knowing he was seen, loved and supported ❤️
This is a terrific piece of writing that I loved reading and want to re-read. You're being such a good dad, so many misfortunes, your son justifies your trust in his judgment, and now NEW ORLEANS? I'm in the middle of moving, stressed out, and came across this gem of a read to change my mood. So glad you're here, Mike.
This was a Very Excellent Thing.❤️
And bonus after all that, it gave you something amazing to write about. Enjoy your unexpected trip and time together... and please do write about both the highlights and lowlights. Apart from that, speedy and full healing to your young ‘un!
Sounds like it was just meant to be. Enjoy the vaca!! And I really can’t express how much I enjoy your story telling... I feel like I’m sitting right next to you, telling it to me in person 💕
I could feel your burnout completely. Life can really suck. I have ADHD and in moments of crisis, I rise like a rockstar able to organize and put together whatever needs to be handled. I don't take no for an answer and get it done. But it comes at a cost for sure. For me it isn't kids, as I don't have any children, but caring for my parents. First my mom with dementia and then my dad who is 94 and really struggled with a hip replacement last year. The appointments are endless and necessary and I've been fortunate to make good decisions. But it is at the expense of any life of my own. I get a bit of momentum then get a call and it takes over. I haven't turned my phone off in 9 years. Thankfully you know that with a bit of time, your son will be back better than ever! That is a happy ending.
I’m happy that you’re having a holiday with your son. When he’s the age you are now, he’ll have this memory. And he’ll always know that you were there for him when he needed you.
NOLA is the best! And the weather will be wonderful. As a next-town-over native: if you like Spanish food, do yourself a favor and have dinner at Lola's. Our fav place :) And suck a bunch of (crawfish) heads!
Well shit, that was good.
Please eat a ton of oysters at the Acme for me. I also had a great time in the cemetery where Marie Laveaux is buried.
Gosh, reading this took me back to my Middle Ages. I like the wire part in the string of lights. You know what it takes to carry a current? Most parents do not know what gauge they are and how soft and vulnerable a gauge wire can be while still performing it’s purpose. I’m grateful I’m still plugged into my children’s lives, they have always been my current for living.
So glad your son is ok! Now on to New Orleans. Can’t wait for what comes out of this trip. Enjoy the lights. 😉 😊
You untangle that strand of lights as well as any parent can. The brightest light is not necessarily the most memorable. The constant warm glow is what holds us. NOLA will be an absolute blast!
As the parent of a competitive gymnast, this story is incredibly relatable. Ruling out a broken bone, rehabbing, dr.'s notes to return to practice. The process is frustrating and time consuming and yes, there are some rainbows. You just have to look really hard, sometimes. And her experiences have built the kind of character that has led to success and recognition in college and life.
So many feelings in your post and what an exhausting roller-coaster with a disappointing outcome.
I am happy for you that you get to fly away together.
Safe and happy travels and bright lightbulb memory making for you two!
I would guess most of us have had the "this happened ... and then this happened ... and then this other thing happened ... and after all that I had no idea which way was up & what I should do next" - so glad the "next" turned out to be something special that ALMOST/possibly definitely, made up for all of it??
Love love love the way you write - hope we get to hear lots about the trip!
Well I’m sobbing again. Wow do you capture it all. A. Now I want to go to New Orleans B. You are an excellent dad and C. My mantra is expectations are the death of serenity. Your son will enter adulthood knowing he was seen, loved and supported ❤️
This one really hit home with me. I hope you have a great time in New Orleans. It is much deserved.