Gentle

Same day, different subject.

Today has been "personal space day". No, that is not a holiday you've missed on your calendar. No, sad to say, this is not going to give you the day off work this time next year. No, "personal space day" is a day when it seems the entire day is spent teaching the boys to keep their hands to themselves.

See, the personal space in question is not so much their own space, as it is their brother's. They are really "into" each other right now - thrilled to see each other first thing in the morning and always hugging and kissing (much licking involved in that process at this age, as it turns out). The problem begins when the loving gets kind of . . . enthusiastic. And, therefore, somewhat painful. Of course, the one doing the loving doesn't mind this at all, it's the receiver of all this good will that objects so strongly.

And so I say, for the thousandth time today, "Gentle, Sam. Be gentle." "Not so hard, Ben. Be gentle. Nice. You want to be nice." Gentle. Gentle. Gentle. Over and over and over. Until I finally ask myself; when did we stop learning that lesson? When did we stop reminding ourselves to be gentle to one another? If we wouldn't hesitate to teach this lesson, why don't we always practice it?

Just a question from someone trying to be a little more gentle.