Stuck

FD Thornton

Stuck inside the house again, the grey sky reflecting my mood. The usual soundtrack coming from my son’s next room is surprisingly absent. So all I can hear is the rumble of trucks rolling down the highway. I see my wife leaving for the Post Office, keys jingling in her hand. But after three weekends of rain, my hope for a better outcome grows dim.

A friend's recent Instagram post echoes in my head: "Get off your ass and deal with it." My reply to her was a simple, "Thanks, Mom,". It’s a response that resonates deeply. For we both born of the same generation when both our mothers would've said the exact same thing. We all want our children to have a better life, and thankfully, mine do. With successful careers, loving families – my girls are testaments to their own hard work. I didn't think I taught them what to do, as much as I showed them what not to do – considering my ongoing struggles with mental and physical health.

My boys have their challenges, and I strive for patience. But thankfully, they're always there to lend a hand around the house when needed. Perhaps that's the true lesson here: for me to keep trying and to keep moving forward. Anger and disappointment will always try to cloud my path. But hope, optimism, gratitude, and forgiveness remain the essential tools to pass on. I know we all try our best to provide for our families and more times then not we make mistakes. Just remember your children are watching, I believe if you are truly doing your best. They will notice and do the same.