Lonely Kids

Today, like many other sunny days when boys should be playing outside with their buddies, a neighbor kid came over asking if Aiden could come out and play. I told him he went back to his other house last night until next week. The disappointment on the boy's face was evident - even as he was looking down and kicking a pebble with his toe. He was waiting, seemingly, for me to give a different, better answer.

For, you see, he had just come back after being at his other house for a whole week himself. Realizing that he was now on the dreaded "opposite" week schedule from his friend, he had to swallow the disappointment, however small we may think it to be, as he had done countless times before over a million other small things.

I thought about the friendship my own son missed today and I was sad. Only, I was not so sad that he missed out, but that I had already decided not to tell him that his friend came looking for him...as though "protecting" him in this way was any better.

These "1000 small cuts" brought to these boys and so many other children by the adults in their lives go unseen or ignored in favor of much bigger gashes. They have no control or option save to "just" bear it. It's a different kind of death. Today's small cut came from a blade called loneliness.

One parent or the other always not there. An only friend or another always not there. Pretending to not be disappointed or weak always there.

Another sunny day burned by parents who couldn't make it work.

They Deserve It

Regarding America's Funniest Videos TV show:

• Aiden (11):  If they're dumb enough to do that, and then send it to TV, then I get to laugh at them.

Chicken Joke

• Aiden (11):  Where did the chicken jokes even come from. I mean, how is a chicken crossing the road even a joke? That's not even funny. Doesn't even make sense.

Marrying type

• Chloe (5.5):  I want Aiden to be my husband when I grow up.
• Aiden (10.5):  *looking at dad: "You wanna take this?"
• Robert:  Sweetheart, sisters can't marry their brothers
• Chloe:  *Crossed arms: "Then I'll marry a man just like Aiden."

Street Smarts

• Chloë (5):  When I cross the street I have to hold hands with Mommy or Daddy...And Aiden too. Because he's a good protector.

Decision 2012 Flashback

Here's a little flashback to the last Presidential Election day after driving by people holding Mitt Romney signs:

• Aiden (10.5):  Look at those Romney protesters.

Arm Thyself

Kids running down stairs.

• Robert:  Are you guys going outside?
• Chloe (5):  No, we're getting our weapons

Made In China

• Aiden (10):  Gross. This lipstick is made of Chinese people.
• Robert:  That's not what that means.
• Aiden:  By. By Chinese people. Whoops.

Regretting Hemorrhoids

Upon seeing a billboard for hemorrhoid treatment...

• Aiden (10):  What are hemorrhoids?
• Sarah:  They are like those veins that poke out on some legs, except they are in your butt.
• Aiden:  I immediately regret asking.

Wii Bit Of Back Pain

• Aiden (10):  I feel like an old man.
• Robert:  What?
• Aiden:  Because my back hurts.
• Robert:  Why?
• Aiden:  From boxing the Wii.

Being Helpful

• Robert:  I'm glad to hear you were such a good boy while I was at work today.
• Aiden (10):  Yeah, Chloë spilled crumbs on the rug, and since I saw mom cleaning the house all day I just decided I should sweep them up for her.

3rd Grade Report Card

Some of the best things I've ever read. Aiden's teacher also told me that he is one of the kindest kids she's ever had. She's right.

"It has been a pleasure to have Aiden in class this school year. He is wonderful, intelligent, and well-liked by his peers. He sets high expectations for himself and works hard to achieve them. I will miss him very much! Aiden thrived in higher learning activities and worked well independently and in small groups. He has strong leadership skills and I look forward to hearing about his future successes as the leader that he is. In reading, the grade level goal is 110 wpm, he read 155. On the math benchmark he scored 96%. Based on his scores, Aiden is advanced in all academic areas and he has exceeded third grade expectations. I have enjoyed having him. Good luck on 4th grade!"

What Dad Does

• Aiden (9.75):  The only thing Dad has to do is tell me what to do, go to work, and do the taxes.

This Is Not Santa's Fault

• Aiden (9.5):  Santa brought you half of a door? Whatever.

 

Veggie Day

• Aiden (9.5):  Can this day get any broccolier?

All In How You Look At It

• Aiden (9.5):  Are you stealing my ranch?
• Chloë (4):  No, I'm just dipping your ranch.

Willie Nelson

• Robert:  Look how old he's getting.
• Aiden (9.5):  Yeah, he looks like Sasquatch.

The Truth About Mario

• Chloë (4):  What are you playing?
• Aiden (9.5):  Super Mario Brothers
• Chloë:  I think Mario really likes money.

Dog Buffet Or Kitchen?

• Aiden (9):  When Chloë eats in here its like a dog buffet floor for Archie.

Getting Married

• Chloë (4):  I'm gonna marry Aiden when I grow up.
• Sarah:  You can't marry your brother. You'll have to pick another man.
• Chloë:  But I love him!
• Aiden:  Chloë, that's just wrong.