My Other Bestie

It isn't unusual that someone will comment that I have great relationships with all my kids and ask me how I do it.  I'm not sure.  All I know is that I try being my children's teammate on the same field in the same game rather than an opponent playing an entirely different game.  That can get very confusing.  And then the game isn't any fun.  And it helps to speak their language.  One thing I can't stand is when a parent says, "I just don't understand that kid".  My quiet response is "yes you do, and stop pretending that you were never that age!"  I am a better parent when remember how to still be a kid.  Eh, it works for me!

Before Shaney left for BYU she and Jared had a serious talk about being the oldest at home.  I had no idea that this had happened.  But I'm not surprised.  Shaney and Jared have always been close and serious discussions often ensue between the two of them about any number of topics.  Upon moving away from home Shaney was very concerned about how the separation would affect me.  And with Shaney being gone Dave and I were worried that Jared would continue to live in her shadow.  But we were so wrong.  Jared matured within only a few months and became someone I could really count on.  When I was lonely Jared would notice and would come hangout with me.  Or come be wherever I was just to talk about "stuff".  We would even continue our tradition of lingering at the dinner table after dinner laughing at jokes that weren't even funny.  Jared has become someone I could really trust all the time.  And even though I have always adored that kid, in these few months he has become my other best friend.  I suppose I'm grateful for this opportunity to grow closer to my Jared.  If Shaney had never left home I would've never had this opportunity to find my other bestie.  Life just doesn't get much better!!