I wore Reebok high tops, Vans and stonewashed jeans. My face was full of heavy metal for almost two years and I was cursed with thin, straight hair that closely resembled the color of dirt.
I often recall playing in the backyard with my brother M & his/our friends. When we couldn't go swim at the "W's" or "P's" place, we'd set up the sprinkler under the trampoline and see who could break a bone first. Yes, I usually won. Even though by brother would be jumping off the roof onto the tramp. [?!!?]
We'd run around the "W's" back yard with our friends in the summertime. Driving ATV's [their backyard was big, big, big], playing shark & running as fast as we could down the hill and trying to continue to run while on water. We'd chomp on broken Mint Milano we'd have bought for 1/2 price while in Logan, Utah & "S's" mom would bring us out the fanciest PB & J sandwiches you've ever seen.
I kept my homework organized in a Trapper Keeper full of bright, sparkly Lisa Frank folders and I l o v e d those pens that had four colors of ink.
Dinner was 99.4% of the time, a proper, square meal with a meat, two veggies and a starch. RARE was the occasion we'd get take-out. Usually the 5 for 5 deal at nearby Arby's. Every day off from school was a know date with Dad at the nearby bowling alley.
Life was good.
And even when it wasn't perfect - it was never bad.
Yes, there were times I'd get in trouble. Occasions when I'd take the "too short" of shorts to school in my backpack and change in the school's crusty bathroom. Days my "friends" would sell me out to their parents and I'd return home with a parent or two with flaring nostrils.
Somehow I'd always come out alright after that quiet time in my room.
I'd waste time listening to Tiffany, Duran Duran and Debbie Gibson sing while hiding under my 100% cotton sheet, doodling with my Etch A Sketch or noteboook [at varied ages]. Then they'd would come to my room and we'd talk about whatever trouble I was in. After a few serious words, maybe a few tears and a quivering lip - we'd hug and go to the kitchen for a
Now that I'm a "grown-up", with my kido [stretching the limits at times], I think back to those days, and how hiding under my covers and a hug from Mom/Dad seemed to make it all better. I try to be as understanding as my parents were [no small task]. One [extra] calming breath & a hug.
Sometimes it really is that easy.
Just a little love & understanding can truly be all it takes.
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See that, I didn't even mention my buckle today.
Happy Friday!
