I am thankful for.....

My little sister, ALICIA!

The past week, my little boy has been with his grandparents. This is has been the very first time he as been away from his family(myself, Don, and Iris) for more than one day. It has been hard.

Isaac has a very strong personality and he fights for what he believes in. Yes, at the age of nine, he does this. The challenge for us (Dad and Mom) is to teach him where and when to fight for his beliefs. He has spent the past 4 days with not only his grandparents, but his cousin,Aiden, who is 5 years old. Though Aiden is five, they have been in a power struggle since day one. I know they will be close as years go by....but until then, it is finding a common ground.

Don't get me wrong, Isaac has had some fun times there. He has done some really cool things...Movies, Skatepark, trying to get away with drinking ROCK MONSTER SPORTS DRINK (HA HA), etc....

The first day I received a call from my mother.......They were fighting. I did my best, being FIVE hours away, to calm Isaac. Mom, being a retired teacher of 31 years, I have complete faith in her ability to take care of my child. I also know, that she is RETIRED...which means....It is time to relax and do what SHE WANTS TO DO! I look forward to those days, however, until then...I do what I must and enjoy it...Oh yes, I do enjoy it!

Day 2 - They are arguing. I find it hilarious in some ways, as the boys are in a power struggle. They are seperated for a few hours (Aiden goes home), then they are beautiful friends again - only to begin again.

Day 3 - My darling sister, Alicia and her husband, Ricardo, take charge! THANK YOU! The boys did well - I was impressed. I am thankful for my mother and father offering to take Isaac. I just didn't realize how hard it would be for Him and I! Lessons learned and life will continue.

Day 4 - My heart is missing my little boy...my baby boy! Know, that during these days, Iris and I are GROWING so incredible...it is so AWESOME! She even mentioned it. WAY TO GO GOD!

Actually, it was so hilarious two nights ago. Each night, we have family time from a half hour to an hour before Don goes to bed. Well, Don was tired the other night, so he slipped into bed early. I snuggled with him....Get this....Iris comes in telling us that we will be playing Cherades (sp). She begins by telling us that all of her performances will be Thanksgiving related. We had a blast! We laughed so HARD until we were crying because our tummy's hurt. She is a goofball and an excellend entertainer. Thank you Irie! LOVE YA! "LEMMON VALLY" - our little joke!

This evening......I broke down during his phone call. He talked back to Grandma and was punished. WELL? He needed to be. Then I felt a pain in my heart. My son is alone. No, he is not literally alone, as he has family who love him dearly around him, but he is trying to stand tall without his immediate family around. That hurts me....though I am proud of him. I could feel his frustration.

My adorable little sister stepped up and took charge. She felt my heart before I could speak it. She went right to Isaac and they talked. Though she is Aiden's mom, she became Aunt Alicia, and I love her so much for this.

Alicia, I am sorry for breaking down on the phone this evening. Alicia, I am grateful to you because you and I knew what was lacking and you stepped up and pulled my son into you.

I will see you tomorrow son. I am proud of you.

I love you sister.....

Thank you