Today is Tuesday and for once a Tuesday to look forward too. Glee was premiering tonight and I was going to take Gabe to see his FAVORITE Chicago Bear #13 Johnny Knox! Could this day go wrong??? YES IT COULD!
I should have seen it coming when at the beginning of the day I left my phone at home. I didn’t even notice till I got to work! UGH!!! I didn’t let that get me down! There was glory coming my way in the form of a one-hour musical television comedy! On top of that it was a great day at job #1 and I was off of job # 2!
Herculese and I went to pick up Gabe from School we come home to change and then I look in Gabe’s backpack. (BIG MISTAKE) I see that he was missing a book. I figure before we go to see Johnny we’ll swing by school and get the book. Well that good intention ended up being a cruel revelation for Gabe.
His teacher informed me that he was missing 2 assignments from before we went on Vacation, 2 assignments from Spring Break, and He was not caught up on Word for a day. I tried not to blow a gasket right then and their. It was hard not too. the majority of Gabe’s problem is sheer laziness and lack of organization.
Now I have TRIED AND TRIED to help him get organized but I have failed miserably! There are other factors that attribute to his school problem one of them being the discovery of girls and the other is emotional baggage. With all that said I faced the dilemma Have a priceless moment with him meeting his Football Hero or be a killjoy and make him miss it by staying home and finishing his homework?
We left the school and I sat in the car for a minute. Gabe sat quietly and was ready for me to explode. Before I reacted I needed to weigh the options. Gabe is struggling emotionally and with self-esteem do I take away a positive and priceless experience like this or not? Is it life or death that he has late assignments?? Can I teach him to be responsible? Do I have to play Mean Mom all the time??
I turned to Gabe and laid out the severity of the situation. Then I calmly told him we would be going only if he promised to work like crazy on his assignments as soon as we got home (WITHOUT ATTITUDE) He agreed and we went on our Merry way to meet Johnny Knox!
SEEMS PERFECT HUH! WELL IT WASN”T!
We get home and drama ensued. Gabe couldn’t stay focused,I screamed, he wailed, at one point we were both crying! This was that moment when I should have Channeled my inner SUPER-SINGLE MOM! Guess what she was nowhere to be found! Then and there I decided to just take a break and watch the premier of GLEE! As silly as that sounds it worked! The comic relief and music helped even my mood out. Gabe’s too.
After the show I was able to go back and help him along with a little less drama. He has all but 1 assignment done. We will finish that 1st thing after school tomorrow. WHEW!
Oh guess what my alter ego Super Single Mom was found and now I’m getting things set for tomorrow. I have to work both jobs,get Gabe to track practice,help him with his homework,and get some laundry done. So I best finish up this blog!
Being a single parent is not a walk in the park. It’s extremely hard. There are times I feel like I’m drowning. That’s when I have to remember that God chose me to be Gabe’s Mom. He wouldn’t have blessed me with him if he thought I couldn’t handle him. I need to honor his blessing. Through the good,bad,and ugly. Now today ws ugly,yet I got through it! Let’s put another tally mark in the win column! YAY ME!!
Oh Edith. This story is why I admire and am in awe of single moms. You’re doing an incredible job.
Thank you Joni!