I usually grade papers on my bed. I know, I know…it’s sort of a strange place to grade, but I love it because I can spread stacks of essays and tests all over the bed and still have them within easy reach. Plus it’s warm and cozy, which makes the cold reality of grading a bit easier to endure.
My cat Benny loves me fiercely and will usually sit with me as I grade. In fact, I always leave a spot on the bed that’s empty of essays so he can sit by me. Which he always does.
I will sound like I am now digressing, but I’m really not….
My son is almost 15 and I am proud to know him: he’s kind, responsible, gets good grades and is dedicated to his passion of running.
However, in some ways, he has no restraint at all, and when he sees Benny on my bed, he can’t resist himself. It’s like throwing a ball of string out in front of a kitten. He’ll literally jump on the cat and squeeze poor Benny until Benny wriggles away and leaves.
But, as I said, Benny loves me oodles, so he merely waits until my son is gone and comes right back to snuggle me.
My son does the same thing, though…He merely waits until Benny is back in my bed and “attacks” him again. With love.
It’s a great big cycle, with neither one of them having the common sense to end it. My son is motivated by a deep love for Benny, and Benny is motivated by love for me (or just the warmth of my bed…I like to think it’s me, though J.)
I keep waiting for my son to have the restraint of an almost15-year-old, which is still not enough restraint to comfort most mothers, but his love seems to take years off of his restraint, leaving him with the restraint of a three year old.
Chris Marsh--mother, teacher, runner, coach....
