So, I have sat down to write this thing a number of times. It started as a memoir, developed into a tell all, sidestepped into humorous musings, and is now a collection of moments in my life that I would like to read when I have forgotten the good stuff.
I have long described our family as having the “family squirrel” which is my funny little way of saying that we are easily distracted, but quick on our feet ( with our mouths) and usually fun to watch. We are irreverent, but funny; wise beyond our experience and filled with childish whimsy; quick to defend our own and accepting of applicants to that circle. The title has become the family joke. It started with my father, who was very well read, but also crazy, opinionated, and a big fan of Archie Bunker. I learned early on that if I didn’t want to have to listen to the history of the world, I should not ask any questions, never mind any that might be controversial. We taught the kids to live by these rules as youngsters and found ourselves responding to medical professionals with this statement when they wanted to test for ADD or ADHD. As a former special educator, I know that testing for ADD and ADHD often leads to positive diagnosis (who isn’t these days with a 4 second attention span thanks to the internet and its instant gratification). I also know that positive diagnoses often lead to the prescription of medication that can have awful side-effects. I decided that the kids would all play sports (ha ha- the best laid plans of mice and men) to alleviate any extra energy that they might have. I kept television watching to a minimum, sugary snacks to a minimum (ask me my favorite story about the eldest as a toddler in Disneyland), never served them caffeine except in chocolate, and bought a playset. Years later, those that needed medication opted for it on their own as adults and had developed a fine array of coping mechanisms to get through school, movies, books, plays, and social gatherings. I think you can already see why it has taken so long to get this stuff written down. I boggle myself with parenthesis, side notes, and qualifying statements that lead to other ideas. Now, on with the show.
1 Comment
Shanon
10/8/2019 09:52:58 pm
I love you I love your kids. I love your family. I love that I am part of your framily 💜. This writing makes my heart happy AND giggle. The world needs More giggles. Xoxo
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AuthorI make stuff. Sometimes the stuff is pretty, sometimes not. My wife, 2 dogs, 3 kids and 3 cats keep me busy and on my toes. Archives
January 2022
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