Peace Love And Understanding….and Frustration

With Burgess working so late recently, I have had too much time for quiet contemplation. I say too much as I tend to dwell on things. I have been thinking about parenting and worrying about making sure my kids make it out alive.

I am not worried about drugs, sex or all the other extracurricular activities that kids like to make trouble with: I am genuinely worried about how they will deal with how cruel people can be. Not just as kids. Kids are always stupid and cruel. I am talking about the adults who should know better.

One of the hardest lessons to learn in growing up is that people have a distinct capacity within themselves to act like a total ass. Not all the time but it definitely happens. More so in some individuals.

For example, one woman where Burgess works saw her . The lady’s face shriveled and she said, Your mother named you Burgess. A little baby named Burgess. That is a small, rather insignificant example but hopefully helps make my point.

I can already hear the argument now – the world is just a tough place and a kid needs to get tough to make it. What a load.

I look at Izzy and see a person who is genuinely sweet, happy and eager to make people feel good. Apart from the cranky old hags that gave him dirty looks when he had a Mohawk, he ‘t know how jerky people can be. That knowledge will come soon enough. I just hope he has enough discernment to not hold other people’s mistakes and attitudes against them.

I know it is a to hope for peace, love and understanding, especially on a global level. But as a parent I can understand even better the other parents who desperately want a better world for their children.

Most parents are not John Lennon and can send a song around the world, singing all you need is love. They can make sure their kids and every human they can personally touch is treated with love and understanding.

It is a strange feeling to be a parent, I want nothing more than a wonderful life with wonderful people around my child – and I am willing to fight tooth and nail to get it. What do I know though; I have been a parent for 2 years. I do know I ‘t imagine a world without him and anything I can do to make it a little better is worth every frustration, ever tear and every moment of asking for forgiveness.