Outrageously Ordinary

I came to a coffee shop for a good cup of coffee and a quiet place to write.

I sat next to a father and son, seemingly having some Sunday QT before the game. I got settled in my chair just in time to hear how the father has been disappointed in his son for years and wished he had never gotten involved with his mother.  As if that wasn’t bad enough, he told this child (16-17 years old, if I had to guess) that it was time to move back to his mom’s house so she could see what a worthless child she had raised.

The child sat there with quiet tears streaming down his face, only speaking to say “Yes sir”.

I realize there is a back story that I don’t know. I realize that it is absolutely none of my business. But…

I slammed my computer shut, turned to the child and said “God bless you. Make yourself proud, know you are worthy of every dream you have. It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks, make the most out of your life. Be grateful for the good, learn from the bad.  Hopefully it won’t involve listening to that everyday.”

I was promptly cussed thoroughly by dad for getting involved. He was right, I should mind my own business.  But if you choose to have that conversation in a crowded public place, I feel like you lose your right to privacy. 

I’m still shaking from the whole scene.  I don’t care what dad said to me. But to speak to a child that way, not even A child, YOUR child… I ache for this kid, and any siblings he may have.

Our children are our most important legacy, and our only important job.  No matter what you do in life, your role in their lives is all that matters. 

They will make mistakes, teach them how to learn from them. They will be faced with difficult choices, teach them how to make good ones. They will be faced with heartbreak, teach them that you will never be the one doing the breaking. They will need help, teach them that you will be there no matter what.  And for God sake, show your children that they are loved.

Stepping down from my soapbox, in tears for a child’s broken heart.  If you wouldn’t mind saying a prayer that he goes to a loving mother’s open arms, and that I didn’t make life harder for him by opening my big mouth. 

#BrokenHeart

#ChildrenAreOurGreatestBlessings

#WordsCutDeeperThanAnyWeapon