by Edeyn Hannah Blackeney
Sunday, 9 September, 2007
Dear Diary
I'm exhausted! I didn't really do that much, other than talk, and who'd've thought that would wear you out so much? Grandma and Grandpa Thatcher came by today and things went every which way while Mom and Daddy tried to explain why they have a granddaughter now instead of a dumb ole boy.
I don't think Grandma will come around, and she'll likely be very mean and nasty to me. But Grandpa... I think he'll be fine. Mom was talking about embarrassing parents, but I was really proud of both of them. They stood up for me without yelling and made me really know they loved me.
After they were all calmed down, they wanted my story from me, and I told it. And I told it. And I told it. And I told it. And... I told it.
Eventually, Grandma and Grandpa were getting ready to leave. Grandpa gave me a hug and kissed me on top of the head, like he does the other granddaughters. Grandma... didn't touch me at all.
She shrugged into her coat and squatted down and whispered to me, "Remember, Sport, that your mom is my little girl and that all parents have to make rough decisions for their children, which can sometimes embarrass them."
Then they left.
Embarrass. Parents. Oh! I get it now!
Courtney
Comments
Dear Courtney
Dear Courtney,
Being a parent is a tough job. being responsible for another person's well being is not an easy thing. When their child doesn't fit in 'the norm', it can be very difficult. Explaining to friends, strangers and the like how your uniqueness is a challenge, but also can be a great asset. Seeing your child going through trials and troubles because of their being different can hurt a parent as much as it does the child. Not being able to help them through their troubling times is even more hurtful. I'm so happy that you have two loving parents who are helping you in your discovery and desision.
Grandparents can have it much easier. Your Grandfather sounds like a very loving and accepting man. Don't we all wish we had parents and grandparents like him. My grandmother told me something once, that at the time I thought was quite mean, but now many years later, I understand it better and accept it. her immortal words were: "just because I love you, doesn't mean I have to like you." I know they are harsh, but I also, now, see the truth in them. I hope everything with the rest of the family goes well.
Snoops
Dear Courtney
Don't talk to me about embarrassing parents.
Fortunately I don't have grandparents to worry about, which is just as well. I have a mother who seems to be capable of making up for any missing relatives I should have, but don't.
So you get big hugs from me today, because first of all, I am embarrassingly late with the reply to this and secondly, because I know how infuriating it can be with relatives. I think your mum and dad are just corking though!
Like I said--hugs,
A. Wellwischer