We had a rare non-rainy day and I decided to go for a walk. I need peace, and nature is supposed to soothe the troubled soul, right?
We just learned our home requires some renovations. The initial estimate was enough to make me feel a bit sick. Then the contractor warned it could be higher once they get in there and really investigate.
Now, our house is nothing special–just a little 1940’s bungalow. I like it because it’s cute and cosy and it has character. (In my part of the world, a 1940’s house is considered a heritage or character home.) However, recent events are turning me against the family castle.
Because nothing that sucks ever happens in isolation, more badness was on its way.
My boy was invited to a friend’s house to hang out, play some video games and perhaps watch a movie. He wasn’t able to go and was a bit disappointed because he had to miss it.
Being the supportive mom I suggested he have the gang over to our house another night. (He never invites people over.)
“No.”
“Why not?” I asked, adding (because I’m in the hate cycle of my love/hate relationship with our home.) “Don’t you like our house?”
“No.”
Violating the rule not to ask a question if you don’t want to hear the answer, I asked. “What? Are you ashamed of our house, or something?”
“Yup.”
I was surprised (still am) how much that hurt my feelings.
Sigh–I’m going to need more nature walks to salve this.
The Sailor's Woman 
Oh heck! I feel a huge hug necessary but it’s not going to help much, is it? I’m sorry 😦 I have a fairly shabby home myself, which can’t compete with that of many of my friends. Unfortunately, kids these days have high expectations, but it’s really not a nice situation. I wish I had answers instead of hugs. 🙂
Answers are good, but hugs are better than nothing–so thank you so much!
We’re finally having a bit of sunshine and that’s helping to lift my spirts, too.
It hardly seems appropriate to ‘Like’ this post but, when it comes to commiserations, what’s the alternative in this strange world of virtual connections? I bet your sailor and his dog have a different take on their home comforts…
You’re right–my sailor and the dog absolutely LOVE our home. I’m sure our boy will come around eventually, but at least I make the dog happy. That’s something!
On the other hand, it sounds like you’ve raised a perfectly normal boy!
I guess I should focus on the positive–at least he’s honest!
I liked you post, but only in empathy. This too shall pass. I know, it’s a cliche but something only becomes a cliche because it’s true. I am resisting the impulse to add an emoticon here because I think a cliche and an emoticon is over the top. Cyber hug, then.
Thank you for empathy and the cyber hug! 🙂 Much needed in these trying times!
Nanette – believe me (I know) one day he’ll have a wife and kids of his own and spend every ounce of energy trying to capture the loveliness of the hearth and home you have now. Just ride with it. You have the home YOU want. It all falls back into place – with or without the money…
I just realized I messed up the dates and posted “Terrible Tuesday” on Moody Monday–ugh! Clearly I have too much on my mind these days. Thank you for the encouragement.