Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Not a rant

Initially when I was deciding on what to write for this post, I was going to rant about all the things that have not been going my way.

Like:
How the kids think I am the dustbin. Whenever they finish eating their snack, they will hand me their wrappers. Even when I am driving!! Why cant they hang on to their own trash until they find a bin? Why must it be me? What do you think I am? A dustbin? They would then laugh sheepishly, and do it reluctantly.

My kids also somehow think I am an octopus. Whenever we get home, they would stroll to the house empty handed. And there I would be carrying the shopping bags, the water bottle I have in the car,the ipad, my handbag, occasionally a book which I was reading in the car, and whatever else that needs to be brought into the car. And there are usually more than 5 things I would be carrying, and at times, even more than that!! An don top of all that, I have to fish the keys out of my handbag to open the house door! I would always comment loudly: Why am I an octopus?? And then one of them would offer to help me with the load. Why cant it come naturally to them to help out without being asked.

And wont you be angry when someone mis-represents to you? Especially when you were negotiating to purchase something (a big ticket item), and the decision was made based on what was represented? Well, I was on the verge of "flipping mad", when the salesman called to apologise. I wanted him to honour it, but decided that he should talk to my husband instead. The salesman wanted to compensate us with a "small item" out of his own pocket, as the mistake was made by him, and his office was not going to be held liable. Well, my husband decided that he would accept the new terms, even without the salesman spending his own money to make up for his mistake. Initally, I thought that was a stupid thing to do, but after looking at it from my husband's point of view, I think he did the right thing. Why make the poor salseman suffer. He doesnt earn much. And for that I thank God for such the thoughtful husband that I have!!

We must always remember to count our blessings. Life is short. Life is unpredictable. Be grateful for any and everything that comes your way. They are many others much worse off than we are.

Last week, one of my walking mates suddenly found out that she has breast cancer. She is only 37. Can you imagine the upheaval in her life and the life of her kids and family now?? With a husband that travels quite frequently for work, I just cant imagine what she is going thru now. It's a good thing she has strong family support, especially her Dad who has now have to take over all the ferrying and care of her young children.


I was also reading this book:



The author is a young man born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta - brittle bones, the exact same thing that my youngest child has. But he did not let that prohibit him from doing certain things, including helping others. Despite his handicap, he has done many things that puts many of us able-bodied people to shame. When he broke his right hand, he learnt to write with his left - he did not even request for a deferment of deadline for his assignments, which I am very sure his teachers would have agreed to! He believes that if life hands you lemons, you make lemonade. And I tell you, this young man must have made lots of lemonade in his life. But is he bitter about it? Not at all. A must read for everyone ... and please support this local talent!! He is a true inspiration!!

Give thanks!!

8 comments:

doc said...

same here. the boy especially needed to be reminded to help carry things out of the car, but that idea must be reinforced until such time he will do it on his own.

btw, yours WAS a rant, no doubt about it!

stay-at-home mum said...

No doc, not a real rant. I could have ranted more : p

APO (Bem-Trapilho) said...

Hello!
Thanks for coming by my blog.
greetings from Portugal!

bp said...

i hear u, my own kids are like that, n not that u n i aren't trying to spoil them less, but i get what u r sharing n thanks for your reminder to give thanks for everything in our lives. your sharing of your friend tugs at my heartstrings too, coz of my pal's child having chemo after surgery. in this time that the world seems to have turned upside down for your friend and her family, pray they will get all the support from not just loved ones but close friends also to help her press forward in her fight against the cancer... God watch over them every step of the way! Hugs for u also, SAHM.

iml said...

She will have a fight chance if Immediate aggressive treatment is done. I know how she feels. I had to go for a biopsy on a lump on my breast and it nearly freaked me out waiting for the result. My thoughts with her.

stay-at-home mum said...

Thanks for coming by APO!

BP - thanks. Life is tough, and you get handed a screwball when you least expected it.

iml - she went for a vasectomy just yesterday. Praying for her. Now I am one walking kaki short.

TripleJin said...

My kids are the same..but I just holler at them and get them to bring their own stuff in. And the rubbish thing too...

I am sorry to hear about your friend. Just continue to call on her.

bp said...

i hope your friend's surgery went great, and may she be strengthened to keep going on the healing journey, knowing there are loved ones and friends like u helping her to "jiayou" with your support and prayers. press on!