Building Bridges...

Last night Hailey and I attended our first class for a program called Building Bridges. It's a program that was created for children who have lost a parent or someone close to them. Alot of the volunteers are people who went through the same thing. They are there to listen to the kids and help them express their feelings in loving creative ways and in a safe environment. While the kids are in their groups the grown ups all get together and share as well. At first I didn't know how I would feel about this. I'm a sensitive person as it is and hearing and seeing these peoples grief when I'm about as emotionally beat up and drained as I can get didn't sound like to much fun. In fact it sounded like pouring salt in the wound. Little did I know how wrong I was. I'm not going to lie their were tears shed and at times it was very painful. But being able to comfort someone else who is hurting despite your own hurts...there's something about it. I'm not sure how to describe it but giving to others when you feel empty and like you have nothing to give. There's healing in that. So, despite my misgivings it wasn't all bad. Hailey can't wait to go back either so it's a double blessing.

Speaking of Hailey I had to do my first parental thing that I didn't like. I had to ground her. She has required nightly reading for homework all week except on Friday. So, on Monday we got home from the grocery store and being that it was already 7 and we had yet to eat dinner or start on homework I asked her to get some reading done while I put away the groceries. A little later I call her to come eat and as I sit down at the table I notice her back pack is still sitting in the entry way. So, I ask her what she has been doing in her room if her library books are in said back pack by the front door. She proceeds to tell me that she was playing her Nintendo DS. To which I calmly ask her what was she SUPPOSED to be doing. She looks down not wanting to look me in the eyes and says that she was supposed to be reading. But, that she didn't feel like it and wanted to play her DS instead. This isn't the first go around we have had with me telling her to do something of this nature and her ignoring what I tell her. So, Nanny had to be tough and lay down the law. She lost all computer and DS privileges until Sunday evening. That night when I was tucking her into bed I asked her if she thought I was being mean or unfair. Which big shocker...she did. So we discussed this further and I asked her if her friend had done the same thing did she think he would get punished as well and she agreed that he would. So, I think she knows she did wrong and understands that she deserves to be punished but like any of us doesn't have to like it. Hopefully she learned her lesson. On a positive note she got her first six weeks report card today and has all A's and one B. Super proud of her. I told her a few weeks ago that if she did well that she could get a new game for her DS. So, as soon as her punishment is over we will be going pick that out. And between now and then she will talk about nothing other than what game she's gonna pick ...which changes every five minutes. Oy vey!!!