Not Tough Enough...more 7 yr old wisdom

Recently, Brigham asked me why I take medication.  I thought about the Coumadin, the pulmonary embolii (blood clots in the lungs), and Factor VIII (blood clotting disorder) and said, "Son, it's complicated."  Can you blame me?

Well, Brigham did.  Blamed me, I mean.  He looked disgusted and said, "You know why grown ups say things are too complicated?"

Of course, I had to ask, "Why?"  I am nothing if not curious.

"They say it's too complicated because they are not tough enough to answer the question that was asked."

Ouch!  Not tough enough huh?  He had me right where he wanted me, and yes I found a way to explain to him why I take the Coumadin, blood clots and all. After all was said and done, I was actually quite pleased with my explanation.  Apparently he was pleased with it as well because he asked me to repeat the whole explanation again and again to his older siblings later.

A dear friend of mine used to have a plaque on her wall that said, "Parenting is not for wimps." So true. Being a parent stretches us in ways we could not possibly imagine when we are young and childless. Fortunately, just as I was able to find an answer to Brigham's question when I pushed myself a little more, as parents we find the inner reserves of strength when we are pushed to our imagined limits.  So dear friends, when you feel like you are on the rack being stretched beyond your breaking point...know that you are not alone. Be tough. You are stronger than you know.