It is Sunday and it is beautiful outside with clouds in the air and a gentle breeze blowing across the sage and sand of central Texas. It is one of those days that an old fart like me likes to think of as a good day to do nothing. To nice to work. So I have set my sites on the bed in my bedroom while poor little Kellen is stuck inside because there aren’t any friends available to play with outside. He approached me in my bedroom as I was watching the latest tennis tournament on TV.
“I am bored.” He was not starting out on a good note with that comment. Personal pet peeve of mine. I answered, “Well, I like to think of the times that I am alone to be a time spent with someone that is my best friend. I never(remember I am old)seemed to be bored when I am alone any more. I do remember the times when it had crossed my lips when I was younger but thanks to the help of my older brother I did not make the mistake of saying it in front of my parents. Unfortunately Karl did nake mention of being bored and our Father definitely taught young Karl the error of his ways by directing him to proceed post haste into the pasture and collect all the pretty flowers of the dratted weed… the thistle. It is wonderful little flower that gives new meaning to the saying don’t bite the hand that feeds you. Poor Karl suffered for a few minutes in the pasture until he was scathed from head to foot. I cannot remember how many flowers he actually did pick and place in a bag. No matter… the lesson was a strong one that was learned the first time.
Poor Kellen does not have the aide of an older brother to lead him through the problems of young boy as I had had. His brother spends a lot of time teasing young Kellen. It is fun for Kellen but it does not teach him anything other than the fact that his brother is older, smarter, and bigger. I think that I have tried to convey this same kind of education with my young son, Kellen. Fortunately… or unfortunatley… he has not made the same immediate grasp of the dire situation that he is in by stating to his father that he is bored. Remember I am happy to be breathing and laying in a bed. Boredom only comes to mind when I have nothing to do. Since Kellen is at my side I really can never say that I do not have nothing to do. Consequently I want Kellen to understand that the only reason he is bored is because he chooses.
I hope that Kellen is not as hard headed as his father. It took me a childhood, three marriages, and cancer to come to an understanding about being bored. Please young son…don’t do as I did …. do as I say. Yeah… right…? I can see some head butting in my future. I am excited!!
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