**I’m taking a break from the computer for a couple of days…and wanted to share a couple of my first posts from back in 2008 when I started my blog. You know…back when NO ONE except my mother was reading it?? I hope you enjoy!**
Today, while we were getting ready to head out the door for the bus, Gabe, my 6.5 year old, bursts into tears. It all started b/c I had a box of graham crackers for him to take to his teacher b/c I forgot snack 3 times last week and she let him have some of hers. Well, this set off a whole stream of tears and things I didn’t know were happening at school and on the bus.
First, he said his friend would make fun of him for taking the crackers. He said his friend makes fun of him every day. Now I, personally, think it’s b/c this little guy (who is on our soccer team, cub scout den and comes over regularly) wants to be more like Gabe. But how on Earth do you explain that?? Then, Gabe says his other good friend told him last week that he hated him and didn’t want to be his friend. Gabe has no idea why—and anyone who knows Gabe will tell you that he is the sweetest boy on the planet. Then Gabe says he’s getting bullied on the bus by a 2nd grader. She (!) hits him in the face and on the back of the head all the way to school. Well, no wonder he’s sobbing and doesn’t want to go to school!! Add to that that he’s bored to tears…and you’ve got one miserable kid.
So, with my severely sprained ankle that I hurt this weekend for the second time in a month (I’m feeling a little sorry for myself, I have to admit), I put Olivia in the stroller (her bus is on its way too) and run down to talk to the bus driver about the bully on the bus. We’ll see if that makes a difference. What does it say about me that I wanted to get on the bus and kick her little butt??? Then, I run back with Olivia (really, running w/a sprained ankle…not good) to get her on the bus. What a morning. And then I think, Olivia has it made. She, of course, can get her feelings hurt just like anyone else, but for the most part, she doesn’t have to deal with all of this crap like Gabe does. When I start to feel sorry that she won’t get married or have kids, or the million other things that “typical” girls get to do, I start to think, well, she also won’t have to deal with “mean girls” and get her heart broken by a boy or worry about her weight or the million other things that plague “typical” kids. Sometimes, I think she has it easy. She’s always happy, she loves everyone and for the most part people are extremely kind to her. Made in the shade. 🙂
I’m clearly not prepared for this mean stuff!! Look at this face…how could anyone be mean to this cute little guy?? Did I mention how sweet he is?
Elastamom's Excerpts 
I think your mom and I were both reading it back then 🙂
Growing up can be hard to watch, especially as our kids learn the ways of the world. I am with you, who can be mean to that precious face.
Poor Gabe! I am so upset on his behalf! And believe me, I understand your instinct to beat the tar out of that Bully Girl. Miss D. was bullied on the bus in first grade and man, I got steamed.
Keep us posted on the bully situation. ((hugs))
Wow, look how much he has grown in 2 years. Love the picture.
i love when people link up to or repost old posts. it’s fun to see where they started out or what was going on “way back when….”! and i love your perspective on olivia’s future….so many might dwell on what she won’t get to do but you always seem to see what she CAN do and focus on the positive “won’ts” in her life 🙂
p.s….i’da had a hard time not throwing down on a child who was bullying my child. i’m worried about teaching at the same school where my daughter is going to go next year for kindergarten bc i’d hate to be fired for taking out a 5 year old who was mean to my precious one!!!
I hate bullies. So mean, for no reason. Poor Gabe. He’ll make it through. We all have right? That’s what I keep telling myself.