Saturday, April 14, 2012

Testing Betty

The kids are weathering another big setback with their dad, and it's been a great opportunity to put the Betty Ford Children's Clinic to work.  Words and terms they learned are being used; their "self-care" bags have been pulled out (these are paper bags we each got to decorate, then inside we have index cards with ways to take care of our spirits, our bodies, our minds, etc. written on them); it's not such a huge jolt to their systems this time.

Since Brandon is usually mute about his feelings, yesterday I took out the crayons and some paper and asked him to draw the "feelings inside the mind of Brandon."  I wanted to see how he would express himself through art, and what he drew reminded me of the smart, literal brain that resides in my boy.

His picture was a profile of his head, and written inside were words like angry, upset, scared.  I gave a little giggle at how my perception of drawing feelings is so much different than his, and in the future I need to remember how his smart little mind works.

As he was finishing up, he said There is one interesting feeling I have though...Envy.  I'm envious of other families who don't have to go through this.  I'm envious of other kids who don't have drunk dads.


All I could really say in response to that was, I know Bubba...me too.  And with that, my heart exploded for them both.




15 comments:

Keith Wynn said...

That's really impressive how introspective Brandon was able to be in that situation!

Roksana Podgorska said...

the boy amazes me.
Also makes me want to give him a huge hug, but that would probably freak the hell out of him since he doesn't know me :P

Unknown said...

I wish someone I know could read this... : (

Bobi Jensen said...

aw...that's...brutiful? Do you read momastery? http://momastery.com/blog/about-glennon/ I get the brutiful term from there, and sometimes its the best way to describe something.

The Accidental Somebody said...

He would think you're sure pretty, so I wouldn't worry much. :)

Steve said...

Kim, I hope you know that the kindness you extended to me goes both ways. You and the kids are in my thoughts and prayers.
Steve

The Accidental Somebody said...

I understand that with every fibre of my being Steve. I alway appreciate you so much... :)

The Accidental Somebody said...

I've never heard of momastery, but I am now hooked! What an inspiring story she has...thank you so much for sharing this with me Bobi. :)

My Name is JACY said...

I love momastery!!!

This is sooooo hard.... I admire the heck out of you and the strength you AND your kids have! Thinking of you!!

Diana said...

As a daughter of a "drunk dad" too, I felt a pit in the bottom of my stomach at Brandon's words. But... let him know that I would have been envious of him because he DOES HAVE A WONDERFUL MOM! Hugs~

Jayne said...

I grew up in an alcoholic family, as well. My heart goes out to your kids. What a great mom you are to have initiated these ways to help them cope.

The Accidental Somebody said...

Thanks Jayne, I will do anything within my power to help them get throug this. There is no other way. :)

The Accidental Somebody said...

Thank you Diana! For a boy of few words (with regards to feelings), when he speaks them they sure come out strong.

The Accidental Somebody said...

He is very introspective, something I absolutely adore about him. :)

Marcy said...

You are an amazing mom, Kim! And...you have amazing kids. You all will get through every step of the way with each other. Hang onto that!!!