For Kid's Sake

I wrote this like 3 years ago. Please excuse grammar errors.

The other day I sent my kids out to play. When it was time for dinner they busted through the doors, panting and taking off their winter gear. “It’s time to eat, go wash your hands” I yelled. With smiles and laughs they raced to the sink. Everything is a competition. “The table isn’t going anywhere” I yelled again, but they were so filled with happiness it didn’t matter. Dinner was served. Cheesy Lasagna Hamburger Helper, the best hamburger helper there is if you ask me. As I clean the kitchen I listen to them talk and laugh about how much fun they had outside. I have a 4 year old son with the heart of an old man and an 8 year old daughter with the intellect of a 12 year old you would be surprised what you may hear at my dinner table. If it wasn’t for me yelling “time for baths and bed, finish up” in my North Carolina tone, they would sit and talk to each other all night long.

My voice seemed to be the most soothing and frightening thing for them to hear at times. But I know all in all they heard and felt the love inside of it. “Finished before you” she screams,” “na ah I’m finished too” he competed. Within a few seconds they raced to the trash can and up the stairs to get ready for bed. Life was great in their world, they have their own rooms and their own toys and even their own bathroom in our middle class 3 bedroom townhouse. After about 30 minutes, it was time for kisses, hugs and good night love. The sheets go up, the lights go down “I love you ma,” “I love yall too” we’d yell to sign off each night. As I walked down stairs I grin to myself as they yell I love you to each other. A fine pair of kids I am raising. From their public actions and upbeat attitudes you would think that these children had the perfect life. I am often complimented on how they have such good manners and are just very pleasant little kids. “And he seems so happy all the time” people often comment about my son. “And she just does not stop talking” they would ramble on about my daughter.

Reaching the bottom of the staircase, I fall to my knees at the couch praying “Thank you Lord, I made it through another day. Thank you for your grace. That was the last box of hamburger helper, Lord send another our way. According to Dominion Power, this is the last night we get to determine when we cut off the lights, send more light our way. According to a Teacher’s salary affording to be a single parent is impossible, Lord send me a mate. Even though they never notice that most nights I don’t eat, most nights I can’t sleep and it seems that whatever they want I give way, Lord I just thank you for another day. Provide, provide, provide Lord, for my happy kid’s sake. I don’t want pity from friends and I am never lucky enough for handouts. Grace this place as I speak Lord, give me a break, for my kid’s sake. As I say Amen and sleep tonight I stare in the face of despair and clutch to my faith in you with all my might. My miracles will be performed even before I awake, I know so when I see the smiles on my kids face.