WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Parenting is probably the most challenging task a person can undertake. In most cases, learning how to parent is strictly on-the-job training. Oh, you can take classes on how to properly parent, or how to handle certain situations, but these classes and handbooks are most of the time written or conducted by individuals who have never been parents. It is somewhat like a politician who tries to tell others how to handle a war situation, and has never served one day in the military.
I’ve done my share of child raising, and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything in the world. Things have changed over the years. When my father gave me a swift swat on my butt, I never thought once about contacting an attorney. Nowadays, there are children who keep a lawyer on retainer. There just seems to be something wrong with this. All “Time Outs” do is teach a child how to referee a sporting event. My soapbox is once again being set aside.
I am still a parent. My wife and I have a daughter that we adopted about ten years ago. She came from an abusive household, so for the past ten years, we’ve been showering her with love and understanding. It has taken a lot of time, but she is finally coming around and we know that she loves us and trusts our judgement. My wife spoils her more than I do and she looks to my wife more than me, when it comes to consoling. When I come home in the afternoon, she is usually happy to see me, but at the same time, she gets upset, because she knows that she can no longer relax in my favorite chair. If you haven’t already guessed, our daughter is a rescue cat named Dixie. I was going to continue about how my wife puts her food in a bowl and sets it on the floor near the cellar stairs, but then I thought that someone would surely call the authorities, and I’d have to contact my lawyer, whom I keep on retainer.
I’m sure pet owners will agree that there just isn’t a more satisfying feeling than having a cat or a dog as a member of your family. If you’re thinking of adding to your family, please consider visiting Animal Control in Centreville before you pay the extra bucks at a pet store. You’ll probably not find many purebreds at Animal Control, but you will definitely find an animal with love in its heart and the desire to love and be loved by a caring family. In my mind, it’s just the right thing to do. The people at Animal Control will work with you and do what they can to match you with a pet that will add love to your home.
I’m hoping that everyone enjoyed this past Easter weekend. Remember, Easter is about more things than the Easter Bunny and coloring hard-boiled eggs.
I’m not exactly sure when spring break is this year. I do know that traveling to Florida is not anywhere in my plans. If travel plans are in your future, please travel safely and watch out for those drivers who might be preoccupied with things other than driving.
I miss the humor of Andy Rooney. If you remember, he always occupied the last few minutes of the television show 60 Minutes. Here, in his words, are a few things that he learned:
“I’ve learned that the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.”
“I’ve learned that when you’re in love, it shows.”
“I’ve learned that being kind is more important than being right.”
“I’ve learned that you should never say no to a gift from a child.”
Thank you, Andy, for your words of wisdom.
See you Out and About!
Submitted by Norm Stutesman
