So Un Far

  Upon returning from Dinner the other night, I found, to my surprise, about 20 notes from grandson Finn, that read, SO UN FAR!! They were in plain site, and hidden all over the house.
  I began to gather them up, knowing what he meant, when he said, " That is not all of them."
  So I looked some more, all went into the trash except one. There will be a time, maybe his college graduation, or a wedding gift, where he will get this little note framed, back in his possession.
   He was trying to tell me, and the entire family that we were so unfair. We left him behind and all went out to supper. He had to stay behind with his dad, because he is too old for pitching fits, about sitting in the front seat with anyone.
   Let me back pedal, he had a rough day.
   Woke up with a whine and ended the day with a fit. It wasn't his day. Now granted we had all jumped through hoops for days, to make both Adrian and Finn happy, movies, golf, panning for gold, with going to the pool in between adventures. That day Finn was not having fun, Adrian's foot was on his part of the couch, he wanted some new toys, and a dog. He had pop rocks and cotton candy for a snack, so I was trying to squeeze in some orange juice, to balance the sugar, he was having none of that.  ( The day before he insisted that I have no authority over him, I could not boss him) ( which I had to remind him he was in my boss kingdom)
    It was just a bad day, we all have them. Finn looks like a cherub and works it to his advantage, except with me. I told him, that I had his number, and he was staying home. We all went to dinner.
Of course after he cooled off, and wrote his notes, they came up to the restaurant. These boys were bone tired, but good manners don't care if you are tired.
   We all enjoyed the dinner, and when I got home, is when I saw his pain.
   Life had been so unfair to this 8 year old, almost 9 year old child.
   I told him that I thought writing down things when you are angry, is such a good thing to do. I appreciated his feelings, and this was not the time for my lesson on "Life is a Bitch and then she has Puppies"( that part I kept to myself) I did briefly tell him, that we were not being unfair, but we had decided that his behavior was not OK, for a family outing. ( I did tell Brian that there was plenty of peanut butter and jelly, in the house)
   He was quiet and that was that.
   Parents and grandparents have to set a good example, be firm, with love, even during vacations.
   It is not easy being little, and adjusting to others rules, but life is all about adaptation, even when young. Time out can happen at a pool, a restaurant or school, and adults are in charge for a long time.
Is it fair? It is just the balance of nature right now, and you are learning my sweet boy.
  Kindness, being patient, helping others, good sportsmanship, that is fair.
  Your parents and Grandparents, love you and want to teach you.
   I will keep your note, that we were "so un far" because I can always learn to be better also.
   Have fun at camp next week, and remember my words.
   Love
   Uma