August 10, 2010
Kids and Dirt
I've heard so many single parents talk on your show, and would like to maybe help them. For 14 years, my son and I have been a team. His father died two months before my son turned 5. Since then, we've had an incredible journey. I was moved to write the other day as I was sweeping the kitchen floor, and this is what came out. Thanks for all you do. Dirt I was, once again, sweeping up the dirt on the kitchen floor. Clumps of dirt that fall off the waffle soles of my son's boots, bits of shredded cheese that fall off the counter when he make's himself something to eat, dog hairs from his best friends that find their way into the corners under the cabinets... . But instead of muttering to myself, "Geesh! Will this ever end?" I burst into tears, because it IS coming to an end. My son is now a young man, and will be taking his first solo flight into the world this fall as he leaves the nest for college. No longer will the dirt be accompanied with the face that runs into the house saying "Look what I just made!" as he shows me the ride-on mower spray painted camouflage green with an utive chair seat welded onto it, or "Come quick, you won't believe what I just found!", as we went and saw the baby bird in it's nest or "My friends and I are going to sit on top of the garage to watch the stars. Is that ok?". No longer will the dirt be accompanied with a greasy hug (he tinkers with engines all the time now), a pocket full of Lego's (one of his favorite past times), or a flower picked just for me. And no longer will the dirt fill my home. But my heart is full and proud. Because the dirt did its job. It nourished and fed my boy: Body, mind and soul. He's grown into a strong, intelligent and caring young man. I know that he will go into this world and carry the dirt with him, spreading his unique style of happiness, his warmth of compassion, and his love of life with him. Nancy

Posted by Staff at 5:01 PM