2005 - A Brand New School Year Has Started

And guess what? My kids are just as crazy and lost as they were this same time LAST YEAR!

Each of my three kids, born four years apart, come with their own drama and the beginning of the school year makes that drama even more compelling. Logan, my only son, whose stuck in the middle of his two sisters age wise started the year off pissed because the first day of school happens to fall on his birthday. The nerve of the entire school system to pick his birthday of all days to begin books, homework and hell. He spent the entire summer reminding anyone who'd listen that this had to be a personal attack directed right at him on the part of educators and administrators everywhere. Why oh why would they do this to him? My response to all of this was, 'Boy grow the hell up and move on. Be lucky you're here to celebrate a birthday. And ain't your Momma giving you a big 'ole party at Dave and Buster's --- Dave and Buster's FOLKS!! My momma never had enough money to do the McDonalds party and he's serving his 9th year birthday at some fancy restaurant. Poor ole Logan! And let's not forget the gifts and people that showed up for this event. Do I sound jealous? I am. Anyway… Getting back to the first day. He survived and had the nerve to tell me when I spoke to him that night that school was a lot more fun than he thought it would be and he figured he could and I quote "get with it!"

Cree, my oldest at 13, was just as disgusted with school starting but for different reasons. She would much rather spend all day on the computer IM'ing her friends and writing fantasy novels than be cooped up in anyone's classroom. This summer was spent doing a lot of that but for the first time she really participated in playing tennis with me and working out in general, so the computer time was much warranted. This is Cree's first year of high school and she's had the honor of picking the school she wanted to attend which was of course not the one I wanted her to go to. But, at her age I want her to be responsible for herself and as she put it, all of her friends from last year will be there and it is a school for gifted students. Gifted? When did we start labeling the geeks and daydreamers - gifted? And yes my daughter is a geek and a major daydreamer and believe it or not she's pretty proud of that title. She ended the first day complaining about the long day and even longer bus ride but the smile in her heart was hard to miss. She seems to be growing up in plain sight and I love the young lady she's turning into.

My baby …. And I do mean my baby, Chase woke up that morning with one overwhelming declaration. She was positive that there was nothing in the world school could teach her and that she was smart enough already. That particular proclamation had us in stitches the entire morning. She stumped around the house, bottom lip out until I gave her the Daddy look. And yes I do have a serious Daddy look that works a whole better than a raised voice or a whupping. By the time she was picked up from school she was planning her next day's events and talking non-stop about the cool kids and new teacher she has.

I take heart in knowing that another school year started and its just another step in getting them all grown up and out of my house! :

On a serious note … I have to take a moment and commend those single mothers who are adjusting their life again to less hours for themselves and less money to do more with, as we begin this new school year. Hang in there and know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. For those sperm donors who are oblivious of what another school year brings to their rightful offspring … Grow the fuck up and step up. Instead of going out chasing another fantasy invest your time and money into the reality you have here growing up and out around you. And just for the record, I'm talking about brothers from EVERY social and economic circumstance. I hate to admit it but I know some well to do brothers that have the time and the money and they still can't or won't contribute to their children's well being and education. And it's not even all about money. Go to the school and meet with your kids for lunch. Meet their teachers. Show up after school and help them with the homework. Call Mom's and ask her if you can be the lead on your kids next project or book report. Instead of wasting your money on drugs, another X-Box game, liquor, cigarettes or some other woman, handle up on the business that's really important. I don't care what kind of a relationship you have with your baby's momma - horrible, good or bad - step up and make it happen. I am speaking from what I know folks. My ex and I hate each others guts but we work thru it for the sake of the kids. And we hate each other just as much AFTER we've taken care of their needs. If we can do it ANY two responsible and loving parents can do the same. Give your kids a heads up on life's lessons you've already paid the Piper for. That alone is worth a fortune. Trust me on this my brothers …. There is NOTHING in this world more important than that Brat that carries your DNA … Nothing … Act like you know what I'm talking about even if you ain't feeling that fatherly bond … I can guarantee you that the more time you spend looking into the eyes and soul of your children the less important all of those other things become … Next month, on this column, we'll talk about the things you're missing if you still haven't come around …