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Diana Schwenk, Don't sweat the small stuff, family, growing up, happy, health, Hump Day Chronicles, kids, life, living in the moment, memories, parents, Relationships, teenagers
I found the story below in my files yesterday.
I first came across it when Michaela was about 15 or 16 years old and kept it as a reminder to me, not to sweat the small stuff.
I wasn’t always successful, so I had to continually tell myself there are worse things than a bad report card, purple hair, or a messy bedroom.
I hope you enjoy the story as much as I do, especially if you’re the parent of a teenager!
A mother passing by her son’s bedroom was astonished to see that his bed was nicely made and everything was picked up. Then she saw an envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow that was addressed to ‘mom.’
With the worst premonition she opened the envelope with trembling hands and read the letter.
Dear mom:
It is with great regret and sorrow that I’m writing you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with you.
I have been finding real passion with Stacy since I met her last month and she is so nice. But I knew you would not approve of her because of all her piercings, tattoos, tight motorcycle clothes and the fact that she is much older than I am. But it’s not only the passion…mom she’s pregnant.
Stacy said that we will be very happy.
She owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children. Stacy has opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn’t really hurt anyone. We’ll be growing it for ourselves and trading it with the other people that live nearby for crack and ecstasy. In the meantime we will pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so Stacy can get better. She deserves it. Don’t worry mom. I’m 15 and I know how to take care of myself.
Someday I’m sure that we will be back to visit so that you can get to know your grandchildren.
Love, Your Son John
PS. mom, none of the above is true. I’m over at Tommy’s house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than my report card in my center desk drawer.
I love you. Call me when it’s safe to come home.
moral of story: It could always be worse
~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
Minuscule Moments said:
Classic! Diana as I read it I thought it might turn out like it did. We must cheer our kids on whether they are at the top of their class or somewhere else. I was a kid who mostly got C’s except for art of course. My children have better brains than I. I tell them they are so lucky that they are good readers and can do math pretty well. I struggled, but my parents always told me when they got my average report card that as long as I did my best. Years later I always thought of myself as an average at everything. So with my kids I tell them they did awesome no matter their scores and if they did not quite get there I say maybe next term we can try just a little harder. There is always room for improvement. Im not a pusher but I just want to show them that with a little hard work they can see the effects of trying.
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dianasschwenk said:
A great attitude Kath! ❤
Diana xo
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Denise Hisey said:
Hilarious! Teens can be very clever!!
PS I love the motorcycle picture! LOL
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dianasschwenk said:
I loved that pic too, sort of vintage, don’t you think? ❤
Diana xo
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elizabeth2560 said:
Diana, this was REALLY funny. I am actually at my Mum’s at the moment and have been going through her things with my sister. We came across an old report card of my brothers. It was TERRIBLE and in no way reflects the man he has become.
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dianasschwenk said:
Perfect timing then Elizabeth! ❤
Diana xo
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utesmile said:
I saw that the other day too, it is great!
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks for reading it again Ute. ❤
Diana xo
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Val Boyko said:
Brilliant!! This guy will go far 😎
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dianasschwenk said:
Great negotiator eh?! ❤
Diana xo
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Jean said:
Hope she slept well…. sometimes kids grow up real fast. 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
They do Jean. 22 years went by in a flash, in regards to my daughter. ❤
Diana xo
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joannerambling said:
Yeah I’ve read this before and it is still good and there are far more worse things then a bad report card or a smashed fender
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dianasschwenk said:
You got that right Jo-Anne! ❤
Diana xo
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Chatter Master said:
Oh to not sweat the small stuff. This certainly is a reminder. I do think a swift kick with a smile to the son’s hind end may have been appropriate. 😉
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dianasschwenk said:
haha I don’t know Colleen. I like how he set it up. You gotta admit, pretty clever! 😉
Diana xo
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Chatter Master said:
Indeed it was 🙂 The swift kick is with a humorous kick, not a painful one!!
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Alan A. Malizia: Contagious Optimism! Co-Author said:
Thanks Diana. This is great! Still laughing. I’m sure the mom wasn’t.
-Alan
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dianasschwenk said:
I think she must have held her breath while she read Alan. ❤
Diana xo
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Healing Grief said:
I love this story Diana. It should be read by every parent who put pressure on their children at school! It’s a great lesson. 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
Especially when you are reminded of the many worse things that could be happening right Karen? ❤
Diana xo
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Healing Grief said:
Exactly. I have sent this to a few people Diana. It’s a great reminder. 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
That’s awesome – thanks Karen. ❤
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russtowne said:
LOL! I especially love the last line: “Call me when it’s safe to come home.”
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dianasschwenk said:
me too Russ! ❤
Diana xo
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cyclingrandma said:
Hilarious! Really sounds like it came from a young adult novel– perhaps you or she will use it. Thanks for sharing!
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dianasschwenk said:
My pleasure Lisa! ❤
Diana xo
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jennypellett said:
Great story!
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dianasschwenk said:
I thought so too Jenny! ❤
Diana xo
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vanbytheriver said:
Pretty smart kid. I saw this before…always enjoyable. ☺
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dianasschwenk said:
I wish I’d been that smart Van! ❤
Diana xo
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April said:
hee hee!
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dianasschwenk said:
Isn’t it great April? ❤
Diana xo
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Jim McKeever said:
Oh my …. !!!! 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
haha glad you enjoyed it Jim. ❤
Diana xo
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