Have you ever been so hurt by what someone said that you just stood there, mouth hanging open, heart on the floor, tears welling in your eyes, the moment your ears heard it?
That was me, last night listening to Nick rant a rave about not having his PS3 right now, because of his grades. He went on and on and on about unfair it was and blah, blah, blah, blah, but when, out of the blue, he said, "And you guys don't care. You haven't been to a basketball game other than yesterday, in over 3 years!"
My initial reaction was shock, followed by the above reactions. Then after about 20 seconds I snapped. I said, "How dare you?! How many times have I been called into my bosses office, on the verge of being fired, because of all the times I left early to watch your games! You're a selfish, ungrateful little brat!"
And you know what? I think it's my fault that he is that way. Ever since he was born, he got pretty much everything he wanted; and if I didn't get it, the grandparents did. The kid wants for nothing - so, of course, the moment he doesnt get what he wants (which is his PS3 back) he throws a 3 year old temper tantrum. Only difference is, he's not throwing himself on the floor kicking and screaming; he's ripping my heart out, throwing it on the floor and kicking it around instead.
During dinner Michael said, "The comment you made was unfair and untrue." Do you know what Nick did? He got up and left the room.
This morning, while I was making coffee I said, "I printed out the directions to your away game (which is this afternoon) a few days ago - I had every intention on going. I'm not sure I am now."
I don't know why I told him...no wait, yes I do. I thought he'd take that opportunity to apologize, but...he didn't.
And you know what? I'm not going. It's time for tough love and as much as it will kill me not to go, I want him to score and play amazingly well, look up in the stands, and for the first time I won't be there!
I know now why they call it tough love, as I sit here with tears in my eyes, I just hope I have the strength to follow through.
Today is the office Christmas party....ask me if I'm in the mood for it and I'll show you this picture, because a picture says a thousand words....
but you HAVE been to all of his games, right? So it seems he's just grasping at straws, throwing around anything he thinks might hurt. I'd stick firm on the video game thing. You are so right there!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kim
ReplyDeleteI had a huge long post and it ate it :(
ReplyDeleteI was just going to say that most kids don't want to see the sacrifices that their parents make for them, that way they can throw something in their face at a later date and time. I know I didn't truly appreciate all the things mine did for me until I had kids of my own. I commend you for staying on the "tough love" path and not caving b/c let's fact it, it's so very easy to cave ... isn't it? Yeah, it is.