She ran home from school, excited, reaching up to check the mailbox outside the front door, this exuberant eight-year-old. She burst into the house, announcing that she was expecting an invitation to a party, having heard other girls talking about the event. “Did it come,” she asked?
I knew. Somehow, I knew that her invitation did not exist. My heart cried for her. Forty years later, as I write this, my heart cries. As a young mother, recovering from a major move and major illness, I did not know how to react. Despite many disappointments thoughout life, I still don’t know how to handle a child’s grief.
Mowgli turns 15 this coming week. Although he is a fun, smart kid, ADD hinders easy friendships. ED does a remarkable job of helping him maintain strong ties with his few close friends. Together they planned a weekend of activities with his best friend to celebrate the upcoming milestone. Then, the drop of the axe: Covid struck Best Friend.
Heartbroken, is Mowgli. When I heard, my heart cried. Any plans I try to make will be met with derision until he climbs out of the mire of disappointment.
Living with the family this closely means that we are all aware of each other’s joys, yes, but also all the sorrows. At this point in life, is it wrong of me to want to maximize the joys and minimize the sorrows?
Alternative plans have been made. In addition, the family will honor his birth on the anniversary date. I will order the ice cream pie. He will be stronger, learning to handle disappointment. Learning to be flexible.
Still, I hate reliving the heartaches.
I remember very clearly the disappointment our daughter had when she didn’t make the Jr. High volleyball team — we slipped up on her sports physical. She was very good at sports, but still rules are rules! Then in High School she didn’t make sophomore cheerleading… but that led to something she loved more — she became a dance squad member the rest of high school. Some things are meant to be and end up with rewards you couldn’t see before. Happy Birthday Mowgli 🙂
Some days I still think of the time our entire Girl Scout troop was invited to Gayle Carson’s birthday party – except me. It devastated me. I would never do something like that to a child.
So sorry to hear your grandson is
Life sure has it’s disappointments. I remember when my second daughter born in Az. Did not get into Georgetown despite being Valedictorian and her cousin from Chicago got in! Older son did not make freshman basketball team at St Mary’s w freshman coach and was devastated but did soccer. He made the basketball team the next 3 yrs under different coaches. Lastly younger son did not make basketball team his senior year due to recruiting “taller players” from out of state. He was devastated as were his friends but he picked himself up and that spring joined varsity tennis earned his letter. Motherhood was challenging w these events