Well just kiss my butt. What's that old saying, 'what they don't know won't hurt them.' Yeah, like that.
I was able to watch Swamp People last evening. I like the show, but some little things about it bug the hell out of me. Has anyone else, besides me, noticed their rifles...well, I have and it's downright criminal. Those rifles haven't seen a good cleaning in years. On the program last night one of those 'ole boys held a Ruger 10/22 caked in rust. Patches big enough to have given life to alien critters. It's shameful.
In some shots the 'shooter' of the gator will have a Ruger Mini-14, the scene changes and he's now holding a Marlin model 60. You'd think they could at least keep a consistent timeline in the footage. And for Pete's sake invest in stainless steel barrels if you're too damn lazy to use an oil rag.
I had a sad drive this morning with Little Bit. She jumped into my truck all happy. Said, "Papa, it's only three days until my birthday." Replied I knew and was happy for her.
Down the road a bit she turned to me, all smiles, holding my hand. Then, "Papa, is my mommy coming down and is she going to stay at your house and will she be at my birthday party?"
I waited a few seconds before giving her the answer I knew she didn't really need. Made an excuse of minor adjustments to my wipers.
She turned towards me and waited. I again took her hand in mine and smiled at her and said, "Sweetheart, I'm not sure. It's possible but you do understand your mother is sick, don't you, and when adults are sick it's hard for them to travel (Lord, please forgive my lies to this child) and perhaps it's best if she didn't come down."
Without a sound she turned from me and held a steady gaze outside her window. A few minutes later she leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes. I tried a few times for a response. Nothing. I tried to tickle her, didn't work. The morning was gray and wet and I felt a sorrow so deep it almost made my bones ache. I hate this.
As we made our turn for her breakfast I tried again..."Little Bit, Papa's sorry. I really am. I love you." Reached over and stroked her face. "But remember, Honey, you'll have Papa and Nana and Dad, and your step-mother. It'll be a nice party.
Then, "She always lies to me, Papa. She always lies."
Sadly, she's correct.
I parked the truck and asked her if I could hold her for a while. She slowly, very slowly, came to my arms. I held her close, kissed her. We stayed that why for far too long. Our time is limited of mornings, but it was worth it.
She came around and as we walked inside the restaurant she was again all smiles and giggles.
It'll take me a little longer.
Stephen
So incredibly sad what some "parents" do to their children. I cannot, and will never be able, to get my head around it.
ReplyDeleteThank the good Lord that Little Bit has you and Sweet Wife.
Thank you, Dani. I agree, it's hard to understand.
DeleteIf it's any consolation, my cousin was treated in much the same way as a child. Now that she's older, she has a clear understanding of what her "mother" really is, and she's stronger for it. Sad still, when they're young.
ReplyDeleteI understand there is hope. I am sure with as much love as we can give she'll adjust and be a normal happy child. It's just so hard to watch her hurt. Thank you very much for your kind comment.
DeleteSorry to hear about Matt. I know that Little Bit is in good hands as well.
ReplyDeleteThat's a tough one, it really is. I believe you handled it correctly, but there's no good way to tell one her age (or any age, really) that a parent isn't capable of loving them.
ReplyDeleteHer mother has demons...drugs and alcohol. Thank you, my friend.
DeleteThat's heartbreaking. I'm so glad she has you and her Nana. A child should never have to feel that rejection.
ReplyDeleteMermaid, that's a fact, and she will not as long as I live. Thanks, my friend.
DeleteStephen...we are talking about backwoods, cajun Swampers, they don't wash themselves, much less take the time to clean a rifle.. I LOVE that show though, its our favorite. Liz is my Hero... But you are right, I have noticed many errors myself...
ReplyDeleteI hope LB has the best birthday ever..she has you and nana! and she gets to spend Sunday night....
Indeed...I forgot about their personal care...point taken. She will be here Sunday afternoon. Can't wait. Thanks, Sweet Lady.
Deletedear sweet friend, she is learning the ways of the world. she is learning that there are people in the world that you can trust, rely on and believe in - and there are people in the world that you cannot. she is learning it at a very young age and i wish that it weren't so. the good thing for her is that she can always turn to you and Nana. and for that i give true and sincere thanks to the Lord.
ReplyDeletei know that you are trapped between a rock and a hard place, i know that this destroys you but she does get comfort from you both and you are guiding her to become a strong, confident little woman. she will be ok, Stephen.
your friend,
kymber
as to Matt - let's all hope that he comes back. he is still commenting which is good so maybe all he needs is a bit of a break.
kymber, I know she'll be strong. Like I mentioned, it's just so hard to watch her want her mother. Matt will be back, I'm sure of it.
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ReplyDeleteHillbilly, I did read your comment...yes to the nurse, no, I will not take their advice. Will work a bit each day, if able...thank you.
DeleteYes I catch it all the time. Once one of the guys was holding a scoped rifle and then suddenly an open sites. I just laughed and laughed at that one.
ReplyDeleteDid you see the preppers show Tuesday where they jumped into the soft top two door jeep and then it cut to them driving in a four door SUV. It was the one where the guy shot his thumb off. Oh, my sides hurt after that one.
The show is full of screw ups. I haven't seen the latest prepper show. One was enough. Guess I missed a good one. Thanks, Bubba.
DeleteYour a good grandpa. Glad you're starting to get back to "normal" - hope you have nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteHankH
Thank you, Hank. Much appreciated.
DeleteUnderstand. I only made a comment to him after he emailed a question to me. Thanks, my good friend.
ReplyDeleteOnce again I say---She is so lucky to have you for a Grandpa. You take care, my friend!
ReplyDeleteThank you, John. I'm lucky to have her.
ReplyDeleteI always have a pain in the pit of my stomach when GS talks about his dad. He loves him so much. I just have to remind him that his dad made bad choices in life and is being punished for them. When he asks "Why Grandma?" I have no answer that will satisfy a six year old. I hurt right along with you Stephen....
ReplyDeleteIt is hard, isn't it. Thank you, Dear Lady.
DeleteDefinitely sorry to hear that Matt dropped his. I read his stuff pretty regularly.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness Little Bit has you guys.
Thank you, my good friend.
DeleteOh, it does hurt our hearts when our little ones hurt, doesn't it? God has truly blessed her to have you and nana be there for her.
ReplyDeleteNow listen, young man, you had better mind the nurse! at least a little bit...I know the feeling of being tired of being laid up, but do be careful.
I am just now catching up on your blog as have been sick this week. Take care...blessings.
Yes, indeed, it hurts our hearts. Sorry you've been sick, hope you feel better soon. Thank you, Sweet Lady.
DeleteNot having your offspring be the focus of your existence is as outrageous to me as it is incomprehensible.
ReplyDeleteHow true. Thank you, my friend.
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