A Necessary Post Script to This Morning’s MisAdventures

If you read this morning’s previous post, you’ll know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t read it yet, here’s a link. https://genesiseve.family.blog/2020/12/14/mornings-with-a-pre-teen-type-1-diabetic-with-autism-who-snuck-high-carb-snacks-for-breakfast/

I hate sharing the negative, but it’s part of life and I want to be forthright in my sharing. I owe it to Dan to share what happened since this morning.

After the fighting, I was down in the office working. Antonio came down to tell me he was going to go and make some money. Every little bit helps. He shared that he had created a music playlist with Christmas in Brazil as a theme to help Dan do his class presentation on Brazil. I felt like Dan was probably going to stop working on his project, but Antonio needed to go and work. I snuck up the stairs about a half hour later and found Dan watching youtube videos, eating ice cream. He cried out, “My blood sugars were low!” as I snatched the carton of ice cream out of his hands and yelled back, “Then drink some apple juice!”

I grabbed my own antidepressants and sighed. I couldn’t even think of what to say.

I came back downstairs and time passed. Dan did his thing. I did my thing. The house was quiet. I thought about asking him to do some chores, but gave up because I just didn’t want to fight anymore.

He had his meeting with his teacher at 10:30am online. I opened the door to tell him. He yelled back at me, “I haven’t worked on anything.”

I replied, “I know. But get online and meet with your teacher please.”

I heard her come on the screen, “What have you been working on Dan?”

He looked at me, trying to decide what to say. I just gave him a comforting, knowing look. He knows I hate dishonesty. He replied, “I didn’t work on much. I started on my Brazil presentation.”

She said, “What did you learn?”

I walked slowly down the stairs, straining to hear what he would say. “I learned that we have a lot of different traditions from Brazil.” I almost laughed. Well, that’s one way to answer when you don’t know anything. I think his preparation has consisted in finding a font and a cover image.

She replied, “What are some of the differences?” She’s good. She knows.

I didn’t wait to hear his awkward reply. I went back into the office. She knows what she’s doing. And he can fight this battle on his own.

After their meeting, I thought about calling my brother to tell him that Dan couldn’t come over to help watch his toddler cousin, but then I remembered that he is great for other people, and if he’s home he’ll just watch youtube videos and avoid doing any chores.

I yelled up the stairs, “Get read to go to Angie’s to watch your cousin.”

He replied with glee in his voice, “You’re going to let me go?!”

“Yup. Get your stuff ready.”

And we went. I went inside the apartment where Angie, my brother’s baby’s beautiful mother, lives with my nephew. Matt stays with us, but is often found at Angie’s where he co-parents with her. They had hosted a weekend with cousins where Uncle Matty hosted a Dungeons and Dragons type storytelling game with all the kids crowded around. One of their adventurous tasks was to frost a sugar cookie. Another task was to draw a picture of their character. When I walked in, my nephew ran past his cousin and greeted me with cries of delight and a hug. I love that kid.

Dan greeted his uncle with a similar joy.

He immediately put down his things and went to the kitchen. He started unloading their dishwasher and washing dishes. He asked Liam if he wanted lunch. Matt sighed with relief at the energetic help Dan was offering, and said to me, “After this weekend, I am so tired. It is great to have Dan here to help out!”

I smiled and said, “I’m so happy he is so helpful.” I gave Liam another big hug and left Dan to be the wonder nephew of the year.

I just keep shaking my head and smiling. We’re doing something right.

It takes a village to raise these babies right. I think that’s the hardest part about Covid. These kids need their villages. We try to distance and quarantine. We try to limit our contacts, but we also really really need our villages. And I am so thankful for mine. We couldn’t do this without help and support. Please know we’re being as careful as we can in most areas of our life, because we love and respect healthcare workers.

But enough apologies. I just wanted you all to know what a good kid Dan can be.