This morning we all woke up on time and in good spirits, we got off to a good start for the first day of school.

As the kids entered the car my oldest son closed his door without looking back just as his little brother was boarding behind him.  Son #2's hand got trapped in the closed door.  I was overcome with terror as I saw the little one screaming with his hand trapped.  I imagine bones crushed and flesh ripped.  I yelled at my older son to open the door which he frantically tried.  When the boy was freed I checked him and didn't see any blood or dangling fingers.  Nevertheless I yelled angrily at the big brother and hit him on the chest.  My wife was hysterical at this point yelling at me that it wasn't his fault and to console him while she consoled the little one.  The big brother was sobbing with tears at this point.  I realized that he just had a careless moment that anyone could have.  I realized that I overreacted and needed to get control of my feelings.  Even though I felt bad for him, I had to let him go through his feelings for a moment.  Seeing that the little one miraculously did not seem injured I checked the door and found that the door is designed with a gap where it comes together with the body.  After things settled for a moment I pulled the older brother over and showed him the gap and assured him that little brother was not seriously hurt.  I apologized for losing my temper and tried to give him words of comfort and understanding.  I felt bad for both boys but they were both able to go on and have a great day.  I had to pray for forgiveness and self control.

I had an appointment to report in for work study at school.  As  I drove there, I began to rethink the whole proposition and concluded that it may be untenable and a poor choice.  I called my wife to discuss it with her.  She immediately launched into a tirade about being tired of working her ass off and she hung up on me.  She called me back and we were still not able to communicate civilly.  I did go in and sign up for an interview and Worked through my uncertainty.  I came away with a feeling of optimism and new ideas of how the experience will be of benefit despite the financial inefficiency.  By the end of the day my wife and I made nice with each other.

I was grateful that my kids had a great first day at school.
I am grateful for financial aide for my books.
I am grateful that my dad bought shoes for my kids.
I am grateful that I got to spend one on one time with my older son on an errand this evening.
I am grateful that my wife has a forgiving attitude to me.

Thanks be to God.