Bless the Beasts, and the Children.

beasts and innocent children
Originally uploaded by grharrison

Tonight's post will be brief, as I have been visited by a migraine once again. It has been with me all day long, and hasn't responded to the medication. It never quite makes sense when these migraines come on, as it wasn't a stressful day at all. I thought I would go ahead and post, thinking maybe taking my mind of the pain might help.

My kids are all being so sweet, and fun tonight. After work I just went down to my room to sleep a little, hoping the rest would help. When I decided to get up my kids were watching some obnoxious Disney t.v. show that I just couldn't appreciate, but what was nice is how loving they were all being. It's like they suddenly became Stepford children, all getting along, very affectionate, and wanting to do whatever they could to help me feel better. Well, anything except turning the damn channel.

Did I go to the right house tonight?

I wished I could stay in the room and really enjoy their company, but they were having a bit too much fun, plus the Disney channel and I just don't mix well. It was all too much noise, and too much silly energy for the pounding pain I was in. Back down to my room with the cat. I'm sure the kids will all drift down here at some point, they always do. Earlier my 16 year old asked if he could lay down with me while I rested. Not what you would expect from a 16 year old boy, right? Anyway, as much as I love him, I looked over at him and said, "are you kidding?" He just laughed, and my younger son told him how it was, "you never know when to shut up!" It's true. He can never leave a tender moment alone. Any quiet moment always feels like another opportunity for him to start talking about what ever comes to mind. We love him, but sometimes we need a break.

My daughter made dinner for her and I, as the boys ate drive-thru on the way home tonight. They are always starving, and start on me the moment we get into the car. Tonight I gave in rather than listen to their pleas all the way home. It is a long drive, as I travel 45 miles to pick up my older son from school, then 45 miles back to the house. This is the trip I make every Friday after work, and every Monday afternoon. I have found him a new school here in San Francisco, so he will no longer need to board away from home during the week. It going to be an interesting time for us as a family, as Dante (16 yr old) hasn't lived at home full time for about 5 years. Because of his emotional problems he has resided in residential care during the week, where he get his education and therapeutic care. It's going to be a lot more work having him home full time, but I'm really looking forward to it. I love him so much, and really want him to begin learning how to be in the community more.

My daughter, Arianne, finished her third week of the new semester at the community college. Last semester she decided to drop out, as she was falling too far behind. I hope she makes it this time around, as I would like to see her have some success.

It was kind of a crazy week for my son Remy (age 11). He has seasonal affective disorder, which makes the winter time very challenging. On Tuesday he got very frustrated with his teachers and decided to leave school. A couple of staff members decided to follow him, which led to a whole cat and mouse chase. I was called by the principle, and asked to help out. He was running through the neighborhoods, staff in a car behind him, calling his cell phone pleading for him to stop. He was busy calling my daughter, who was in class, telling her he left his school. She was calling me getting hysterical. When the staff asked Remy to stop and let them talk to him, he sent them a text saying he would be stopping soon. Yes, he really did. I eventually figured out where they were, drove up next to him, asking him "What the hell are you doing?" He just collapsed onto the side-walk, red in the face, huffing and puffing. I got out of the car, and sat down beside him. He looked up at me and said "I am exhausted." All I could do is laugh. I got him back to the school, where he was promptly suspended, and we spent the afternoon at home.

There you have it. A day in the life of Dan.

This is my family. One big chaotic mess. I never said that my kids didn't have issues. Life dealt them some heavy cards, but we are getting through it together. I don't always appreciate the chaos, but for some reason, tonight I see it as a blessing.

Did I mention that I accidentally stepped on the dog's foot earlier? What I need is some good pest control!




The Nature of The Beast
Originally uploaded by WOTTO*

Bless the beasts and the children
For in this world they have no voice
They have no choice

Bless the beasts and the children
For the world can never be
The world they see

Light their way
When the darkness surrounds them
Give them love
Let it shine all around them

Bless the beasts and the children
Give them shelter from a storm
Keep them safe
Keep them warm

Light their way
When the darkness surrounds them
Give them love
Let it shine all around them

Bless the beasts and the children
Give them shelter from a storm
Keep them safe
Keep them warm

The children
The children