What a long and strange day for me.
I was whisked back about 15 years as I was forced by State Law to retake my written and driver’s test to obtain a new driver’s license. I was nervous to the point of nausea…but as I reminded my husband last night, I have never failed any type of licensing test, EVER. Today was no exception. I did pass both with a hugePHEW! But because I live in the boonies I spent a couple of hours driving back and forth to the DMV to retrieve the proper documents that I didn’t realize I needed. Should have checked before hand.
I was overly frustrated with my oldest. He’s only five. How can I train him to be more respectful. He’s getting so mouthy. I never expected that from him. He was such an obedient and loving toddler.
I spent the afternoon with 12 eight year olds. This became both aggrivating and hilarious. The comments that come out of these girls mouths really make me laugh. I wish I had a memory for quotes so I could share them. There were just too many moments there.
Then tonight, Hubby left for Scouts and his weekly late night b-ball game. I made sure to put the kidlets to bed earlier than usual. I enjoy these nights where I really have some time to myself…
So of course I spent the evening BAWLING. Yes, I’ve been crying my eyes out on my wee pillow. Did you watch American Idol? Well I did, and although there were many moments of overdone celebrity cheesiness, there were many many moments of humbling. stark reality. When they showed clips of the African slum…they compared it to the size of central park, and it was packed with houses made out of mud and paper. Children, so many children without parents. So many people dying of AIDS and Malaria. I was just sobbing. Then they showed Louisiana, and still two years later there are so many living in these little trailers, not even full sized trailers. These camping trailers, packed together to house families that lost their homes in the hurricane. There is not a lot of “scope for the imagination” in these places, but there is a lot of crime.
There were many other disheartening stories. It hurt to watch.
There was just this feeling of helplessness that came over me. I know I can send money, but I’m so tainted with these big commercial charities. You never know how much of the money really gets there. When I was growing up, one of my close friends lived next to this family and their huge mansion. When I asked what the father did for a living I found out that he worked for The United Way. I’ll never forget that. Why did this man that worked for a charity foundation make so much money to live in excess as they did. I didn’t get it, even then when I was young. Since then I have been hesitant to give freely without to charities such as this. If my family sponsors a child I don’t want the money going to Sally Struthers and her T.V. commercials. Show me something legit. Show me something I can send my money to and know that it’s not paying for someones million dollar home.
Mary, from Owlhaven has adopted 4 children from around the world if I’m correct. She’s in the beginning process of adopting more. This brings some peace to me. I know there are many like her. They’re helping one child at a time.
I don’t know where this is going. Never blog with PMS, and you can quote me on that one. You’ll regret it in the morning.
I want this world to be a better place. I want to be a good mom and wife, with everything that that entails. I want to be a crusader. How can I do this?
My cheeks are still wet and I’ve used every inch of my sleeves as a snot rag. But I feel okay. I had a good reason to cry tonight. Tomorrow I’ll work on that good mom and wife thing. Because I do have some control over that.
A bit at a time. That’s all any of us can do.
But really, I adopt because I want more mouthy 5 year olds! Well, maybe not the mouthy part, but the smooches, the hugs, the funny things they say. The secret’s out– actually I’m selfish! grin
mary
I too watched Idol. Wow. It’s horrible the things that happen to children.
I’m so glad to know that I wasn’t the only one sobbing last night. It was hard to watch and I admit, I turned the chanel more than once. I remember reading an article one time about charities and how there are some that only give pennies for every dollar they get. If you ever want to donate to a charity, check out this website… http://www.charitynavigator.org/?gclid=CI73kI7a4IsCFQzDYgodFSaAcQ it breaks down how each dollar is spent within the charity. Not every charity is on there, but it’s a pretty good list.
Oh, and I love the picture! Very cute – the mouthy-ness doesn’t really get better. Although, my 8 year old seems to be doing it a little less… so only 3 more years…
And I saw that you were at the Daring Young Mom’s party! So fun! I think it would be a blast to get together with other bloggers
Last but NOT least… have you seen the preview for tonight’s Office? I’m laughing just thinking about it… 😀
Wow! thanks Melissa, that is REALLY great information! And yes, I’m stoked for office. Ireally need a good laugh! Thanks for crying with me!
I had a snotty sleeve last night too. We do our “bit” for charity, but suddenly I feel like things that used to matter just aren’t important in the face of what we watched last night.
I do love being able to donate through our church though, since 100% goes where it’s supposed to go.
I wish Thursday night weren’t date night. Maybe I can tape the office…
I wasn’t able to watch AI this week but I heard they raised an amazing amount of money. What a great cause!
BTW, love that b/w photo!
kailani
An Island Life
My husband and I have talked about adopting more kids once he is done with school. At least then I could feel like I was doing something more to help some of these desperate children. My heart aches for them!
I am so glad you came to the Bloggy Lunch today! It was such fun chatting with a fellow Southern Californian. I am jealous you get to spend a whole month down there this summer.
[…] I just haven’t felt worthy of typing. I still have carry over from last Wednesday’s dark cloud. But ”friend therapy” has been fun…and I don’t want to make anyone blush, […]