A Good Punch in the Face

Image courtesy of num_skyman/www.freedigitalphotos.net

I've never punched anyone in the face...

Let's get that clear right now.  

But I've wanted to.  In those very "Ally McBeal" moments when you picture yourself following through on your basic animal instincts to lash out at anyone near you when you are injured or threatened...oh, yes...I have wanted to punch many people in the face.

the 8th grade classmate who said, "Tammie, the only reason you get good grades is because you don't have any friends".

the 8th grade classmate who wrote me a note saying that she wanted to become popular that year, and that meant she couldn't be friends with me anymore.  (yeah, 8th grade sucked).

the people who typed the anonymous letters from graduate schools and turned me down because of my GRE scores (although I'm glad you did because I never would have started dating my husband had you accepted me at THOSE schools).

everyone who worked at the Gerber Grow-Up plan because I got a letter from you in December 2004 saying that our daughter couldn't get life insurance through you...(hmmm...a rare disease does that, I guess...hence, why you were forthwith known as the Gerber THROW UP plan).

a couple of Wisconsin's 'civil servants' whose names appeared on letters declining Evie for some county services.  That was unfortunate...but, the courts overturned your decision. :P

the parents who shush their children when they ask me very logical and appropriate "children type" questions about Evie.  Your SHUSH communicates shame...and there is no shame about my daughter.  Your SHUSH is what makes her question what IS SO wrong.

the lady at McDonald's who approached me as we frantically were trying to usher Evie out of the restaurant during a wicked meltdown after a long day of traveling....you approach me and all you do is suggest fish oil for my child's behaviors?  Open the friggin' door for us and help us OUT!

the old man who told me I should have folded up Evie's white cane BEFORE boarding the plane because it was a nuisance for him.  Clearly you don't understand WHY we use a white cane...it's HOW we GET on the plane.

the eye doctors who have treated Evie as if she has no intelligence and that we shouldn't even be in your office...well, guess what...we aren't in your office anymore.  It's actually worth flying back to Wisconsin to see our eye doctor THERE, 1,800 miles from home; than drive two hours and waste our time on you.

I didn't have to, and don't have to, punch any of these people in the face.  They are of no consequence to us.  

This is a great big world, and we serve a GREAT BIG GOD and because of His victory WE have victory.

Today.

No punching required.

Written in response to writing prompt 182 on thewriteprompts.com 

Who's the Bully Now? ~ Guest Blogging Day

Photo Courtesy of Ambro/freedigitalphotos.net

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.  Luke 23:34 NLT

I was excited to attend my daughter's first official school "program" of the school year today.  My husband and I eagerly took our seats and waited for the program, Bullies Anonymous to begin.  Evie, of course, had been singing the songs for weeks and we were looking forward to seeing the glowing smile that she always wears when she's "on stage."  

Unfortunately, however, it seemed the two moms seated behind us were not feeling quite the excitement that we were.  They began by noting loudly that this was so early in the day that they had almost forgotten about it.  Okay...no problem...maybe their kids hadn't been talking about it for weeks like mine had.  No big deal!

Once the program began though, I couldn't block out the sound of the heavy breaths (I could almost picture them watching the clock), the snickering and "tsk-ing" sounds when someone forgot to hold their microphone close to them, nor the "Oh, Lo-ord" drawn out in disdain as the actors brought in a "computer" used to detect bullies (I even caught that one on video as I was recording Evie's line that she had in the program). 

Continue reading on Comfort in the Midst of Chaos...

A Letter From My Grandma Ev

I found a true gem the other day.  A card from my Grandma Ev, dated from 1991.  Based on her response, my guess is that my letter to her was about school, and perhaps some of the "picking on" that I received as a little goody-goody and bookworm.  I love this letter.  It reminds me of how I made it through and where I got faith...and, knowing that she was praying for us every day still makes me feel better today.  Is it any wonder I named my daughter after her?  I typed this out as Grandma wrote~grammar and spelling and all...

My little Sweet heart Tammy, or is it Tammie?  You are Grandma's little Sweet Heart, you know.  And I thank you for thinking of me! 
And you know what I do when I don't fall asleep right away?  I start thanking God for all His goodness to me~like Protection, and I always can find so many times He has been there to guide me and soon I'm asleep!  Always remember to Thank Him, cause without Him we'd have nothing and He likes our love too.
And when we feel the bottom is falling out, and you've no place or person to go to, God will always make a way, and guide you thru it!  And you know what?  Your friends don't know or rely on Jesus or they wouldn't complain all the time, rather count their blessings...If we obey His laws we are happier too! 
Pray for her and Grandma will too.  I pray a prayer cover of salvation and protection over all of you every day!  Ask God to fight your battles, and He will! 
Boy and only one month to go and school will be out and will you have time then to lay in the sun and relax.  And by that time Gram should be thru raking and etc. and you can always visit me!  Right?
Congrats on your rating in Spanish and thank you for the poem.  I have it sitting here and now thanks so much for thinking of me.  I love you all so very, very much and so does Jesus.  Grandma Ev