Good things

June 6, 2009

I was feeling sorry for myself today.  I had so much to do.  I had boring paperwork to complete and annoying phone calls to make.  I had bills to pay.  My kid won’t eat anything but chicken nuggets and corn on the cob.  I had a migraine coming on.

My son woke me up at dawn, ready to play.  I had to chase him around the living room and wrestle him into his clothes.  He thought that was a fantastic game. He squealed with laughter, and my headache got worse. 

I was late for work.  Later, I made a mistake that someone else had to fix because I had to go pick up my son at daycare.  As I got into my car, I noticed that it needs to be washed. 

I had to water my garden.  I had to inflate all my son’s balls in the garage.  My son had a temper tantrum because I helped him put his shoes on when he wanted to do it himself.  He had another because I picked up the wrong rocks in the driveway. 

My mom came over tonight.  As always, playing with grandma brought out the wild man in my son.  Calming him down for bed is always a challenge after he’s had company. 

I am sick to death of chicken nuggets and corn on the cob.  If I don’t do laundry tonight I won’t have any clean underwear to wear tomorrow.  My house is hot and it isn’t even that hot outside yet. My migraine is getting worse…

Good thing I have air conditioning.  Good thing I have a washer and dryer in my basement so I don’t have to sit in a laundromat with my tired two-year-old.  Good thing I have a freezer full of food and fresh vegetables in my refrigerator. 

Good thing I have a child who trusts me enough to tell me when he thinks I’m wrong.  Good thing my son has the confidence to keep trying to put his own shoes on, even though it’s hard. 

Good thing he has so many balls to play with, in a beautiful fenced back yard.  Good thing we have a lovely garden starting to sprout, and plenty of water to ensure it grows up strong.

Good thing I have a safe, reliable car to wash.  Good thing I have a job, and a forgiving boss who watches out for me and my family. 

Good thing my son laughs much more often than he cries.  Good thing I don’t have to set an alarm clock, because I get to wake up every morning to a smiling, busy, curious little person.

Good thing we live close to family, and my son has the opportunity to grow up in a community of loving friends and relatives.  Good thing we have frequent visitors to enjoy.

Good thing my toddler eats well and is growing up strong and healthy.  Good thing I have money in my checking account to pay my bills.  Good thing I have the ability to read and write, and free long distance. 

Good thing my life is full of people to take care of and challenges to keep my mind alert.  Good thing I have the luxury to complain.  Good thing my migraine is going away.

This article first appeared in the Lewistown News-Argus and the Sidney (Mont.) Herald on June 6, 2009.