Mar. 26, 2008 - An Instructive Aside
For those still mastering the art of in-law relations:
One may want to think twice prior to sending to the grandparents what one considers an amusing take on a dreary month of illness.
Particularly if one has happened to forget that one's father-in-law urged one to get the flu vaccine back in the fall for self, spouse and treasured progeny.
And one didn't do it.
And especially if one is keeper of nearly half the stable of grandchildren and virtually all of the males who might carry on the R. family name.
That is, unless one wants to be (gently) reminded of one's egregious lack wisdom. Followed by a thoughtful analysis and linked articles to flu, vaccination effectiveness, review of epidemiology of the latter 20th century, etc.
And no, one will not receive brownie points for trying to change the topic and pointing out but the progeny ALWAYS wear bike helmets. Does that count for something? It does not. At least in this setting.
However, one should count oneself lucky, hearing the enormous love and care and concern pouring forth. Understanding that these two great in-laws did not pour blood, sweat and tears into raising five children only to have some Yankee upstart marry in and screw up the second generation.
And, if one should be taken back to memories of college days, when time spent with Mr. Wonderful was sometimes interrupted by phone calls from his parents in which Mr. Wonderful's father detailed the latest horrors of the latest drugs supposedly making the rounds on campus with strict warnings not to get messed up in that scene, one should remember--
One never has the corner on loving a person. There are always those who have loved them longer and more selflessly.
Those are called parents. Over the years, those parents morph into grandparents. Who no doubt wonder why God, in his infinite wisdom, placed their precious grandkids with the likes of an idiot like one their kid chose to marry.
Really, all one can do if offer up public repentance and vow that next year, one certainly will not even dream of making the boneheaded mistake of neglecting the flu shot.
And one might say: I love you too, Dad R.
Blessings, Holly
Comments
Mar. 26, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Arby
I never blog anything that provides ammunition for the parents or grandparents, and certainly not anything that would be considered a vent on my part. Funny as some stories may be, I keep them to the Boss and myself. That's why I tried to keep my blog a secret from the family as long as possible! Your humility is admirable.
