Yesterday

Yesterday I was angry. I was angry that you asked me to drive you to the airport, I was angry that I did it. I was angry that your biggest problem today was your two-year old's temper tantrums. I was angry that you were agonizing over which cellular phone to purchase. I was angry when you told me how lucky I was to have a little boy who wouldn't wiggle out of my arms when I wanted to hold him. I was angry that you complained how tired you were after bringing all three kids to the zoo by yourself. I was angry that you keep telling me that in a few years things will be so much easier because my kids will be older. I was angry that you spent the winter in Arizona. I was angry when you thought your life was over because you broke up with your boyfriend. I was angry that you get to go to yoga class. I was angry that you keep telling me how sorry you are for me. I was angry that you called me a saint. I was angry that you get to take a shower EVERY day. I was angry that you didn't call. I was angry that you don't see how easy your life is.

Then, I slept on it. I realized that everyone faces their own reality, everyday. For some people, a smart phone purchase IS a big deal. Some people AREN'T conditioned to take three kids to the zoo. Some people NEED to believe my life will be easier in a few years. And to some people being alone is the SCARIEST thing they can imagine.

I think back to when Owen was two years old. My friend's two year old son was diagnosed with a serious neurological disorder that has potential for brain tumors, blindness and other REALLY scary conditions. I saw this friend about twice a week for at least a year and a half. When I heard about her son, I did nothing. I didn't call, I didn't tell her how sorry I was, I didn't bring her dinner, I did nothing. My reality, back then, didn't equip me with any compassion for others. I never in a million years thought anything like that could happen to my child or my family. So I did nothing. For that I am truly sorry. For that I can have compassion for others, even if they don't know the right thing to say to me, or the best advice to give. the point is they tried, they wanted to be of service in some small way.

Today I don't have to be angry.

Today I have to say thank you.

Comments

Fawn said…
I'm so with you on this. And these days, when things in MY life really are much better than they were, I still catch myself feeling overwhelmed and upset... but then I wonder, what in heck am I complaining about? I should be feeling GRATEFUL to have traded my old problems for the new ones I've got now.
March 9, 2010 at 9:34 PM
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