Thanks, Kyle -- appreciate that it resonated and the kind words. The further along I get on the parenting journey, the more I realize the importance that "resilient mental state."
I laughed out loud. Pleading with the heavens! My Gawd, the grief has just begun. Love it. TBH, I did this very sacrilege with deer shanks this week. Oh man, I had to edit this as you definitely need more to do, and my all time favorite “parenting writer” Brian Doyle has this book I recommend to everyone called One Long River of Song. Tis so.
I think you're spot on with looking at Stoic guidance as re-assurance in working towards something and not necessarily iron clad rules. Although I don't have a quote at hand, I'm certain old man Epictetus has said so himself. I like reading your perspective and it sounds like you're doing admirably! If you want to drive down to Georgia we'll watch the kiddos while you get some shut-eye, lol!
Important topic, Lou! I am struggling these days to be more patient (accepting?) with my fellow humanoids, many acting like such nasty idiots of late. Much lid flipping has ensued. Gotta remember to breathe in ... and out.
Was late in life before I experienced the joys of short ribs. Sad to think of all those great meals missed. Trying to make up for lost ribs now!
Oh, my son, I can totally relate...and obviously some memories did not scar you! Losing patience now and again, more now than again at this stage, is inevitable--sometimes I would just leave the room and scream elsewhere, and then come back with a smile (fake), and of course eat a snack.
Comfort food indeed! And rest assured, I can recall exactly zero instances where you lost your cool -- though I have vague memories of you threatening with a wooden spoon...
Thanks for sharing Lou. I love to hear about the life experience. Your writing is so real and raw. Keep up the good work.
Appreciate it, Bentley — and thanks for reading!
I cannot see how on earth you manage to juggle all you get up to AND write a detailed, footnoted, regular Substack. On little sleep. Impressive.
Thanks, Julia -- believe it or not, the writing helps keep me grounded! But, more sleep would always be nice.
Posts like this add so much credibility to who you are and what you write about.
Beautiful reflection during one of the inevitable phases of parenthood and life.
Thanks, Kyle -- appreciate that it resonated and the kind words. The further along I get on the parenting journey, the more I realize the importance that "resilient mental state."
Hahah like you, I’m just writing in public where I’m primarily trying to be redundant with myself so I can stay the course 👊🏻
Only way to do it, brother!
Sounds like I need to get a slow cooker.
100%!
Parenting is hard. It is great to see that you gave yourself grace by making the recipe simpler.
Thanks — we lean heavily into the idea that small victories compound!
I laughed out loud. Pleading with the heavens! My Gawd, the grief has just begun. Love it. TBH, I did this very sacrilege with deer shanks this week. Oh man, I had to edit this as you definitely need more to do, and my all time favorite “parenting writer” Brian Doyle has this book I recommend to everyone called One Long River of Song. Tis so.
Ha! Thanks! And we did the same again today with a frozen deer roast… that’s what happens when you wake up to snow two consecutive days in April.
And what’s another book after all the recommendations you’ve given me? Thanks!
I think you're spot on with looking at Stoic guidance as re-assurance in working towards something and not necessarily iron clad rules. Although I don't have a quote at hand, I'm certain old man Epictetus has said so himself. I like reading your perspective and it sounds like you're doing admirably! If you want to drive down to Georgia we'll watch the kiddos while you get some shut-eye, lol!
Ha! Thanks, Erik — so we’ll see you in 20 hours then!
Important topic, Lou! I am struggling these days to be more patient (accepting?) with my fellow humanoids, many acting like such nasty idiots of late. Much lid flipping has ensued. Gotta remember to breathe in ... and out.
Was late in life before I experienced the joys of short ribs. Sad to think of all those great meals missed. Trying to make up for lost ribs now!
Most people — like short ribs — require an abundance of patience!
I think you have me mixed up with the elementary school principal.
I NEVER recall wooden spoon threats. You are embellishing for a good story.
That's why it's called "Comfort Food."
Oh, my son, I can totally relate...and obviously some memories did not scar you! Losing patience now and again, more now than again at this stage, is inevitable--sometimes I would just leave the room and scream elsewhere, and then come back with a smile (fake), and of course eat a snack.
I love you.
Comfort food indeed! And rest assured, I can recall exactly zero instances where you lost your cool -- though I have vague memories of you threatening with a wooden spoon...
Remember Lou - the days go slow but the years go fast!
You don't realize how true that is until you do!