Sometimes a kid’s just gotta to run away from home. And sometimes their parents wish there was a safe place they could run to.
If only they all could just ‘run away’ down the street to their Aunt Cindy’s house where they knew they’d be welcome and where an old Gramma Great lives who would sit with them. …. If only…
One memorable day, my great-nephew Elias had simply had enough — exasperated with life in general, but especially with his current ‘family’. Fed up, he declared that he was going to find a new family. His mom later told me that his older brother even helped him pack his bag—apparently, the feelings were mutual.
With determination, Elias marched down the street and into a familiar crescent. As it happened, I was at the community garden for a couple of hours, but Gramma Great was home. Though she doesn’t always catch every word he says, she understood enough to get the gist. She made him a snack (some crackers with peanut butter), and they sat and visited for awhile, but she was quite concerned – worried that his parents were looking for him. He on the other hand, had no such concern LOL.
There was a time Gramma Great would read stories to them. At the time of this particular visit, she is not able to see well enough anymore to read stories, and sometimes she can’t remember well enough to tell them either, but . . . sometimes she can. This is one of those times.
When I returned, I texted his mom to get the full story. Turns out, they knew exactly where he was, and had even seen him walk in the front door. Elias had made up his mind to have a sleepover, and—fortunately for everyone—that worked out just fine. He spent the evening with some old folks who love him, got tucked into a warm bed, and woke up with a much sunnier view of the world.
The next morning, his dad came to pick him up, and Elias went home cheerful and content—offenses on both sides forgiven, and balance restored.
One of the things I appreciated most about my mother in law Miriam Thomas, was that my kids (especially my troubled teens) always knew they were loved by her unconditionally. The fact that she lived within walking distance, made it possible for them to swing by on their way home from time to time – to get their bucket filled. She was pretty good at filling buckets.
I was always grateful they had someone nearby who didn’t have to lay down the law or enforce any rules. They could just go there and be loved, a safe place to take a breather and maybe even have some hot chocolate. A place where no questions were asked, and their presence was always welcome.
If only all kids had a safe place to go … and if only all parents knew they did.
Warmly,
Cindy Suelzle
