Have you ever overreacted to something that your kids have done? Maybe it was something dumb they did or maybe it was over a bad report card. What we know is that it’s important to get good grades for many reasons. First of all, grades add up and one semester of bad grades can affect their ability to get into the college they want or get scholarships. Also, if a kid slacks off for a semester or even a week, it can become a habit that can affect the rest of their lives if it’s not checked. So yes, grades are important. However, if you’ve got a good kid who usually does what he’s supposed to be, count yourself as fortunate, because things could always be much worse. That’s the point that the young man in the fictional story below is trying to make.
The dad is astonished to see that his son’s bed is neatly made, everything on the floor is picked up, and the room is actually in pretty good shape. Not normal. He then sees an envelope, propped up neatly on his son’s pillow. It was addressed, “Dad.” With a bad feeling in his gut, he opens his son’s letter and reads it with trembling hands…
Dear, Dad. It is with great regret and sorrow that I’m writing to you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with Mom and you. I’ve been finding real passion with Stacy, and she is so nice, but I knew you would not approve of her because of her piercings, tattoos, tight motorcycle clothes, and because she is so much older than I am. But it’s not only the passion, Dad.
She’s pregnant. Stacy said that we will be very happy. She owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children.
Stacy has opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn’t really hurt anyone. We’ll be growing it for ourselves, and trading it with the other people in the commune, for all the cocaine and ecstasy we want. In the meantime, we’ll pray that science will find a cure for AIDS, so Stacy can get better. She sure deserves it!
Don’t worry, Dad. I’m 15, and I know how to take care of myself. Someday, I’m sure we’ll be back to visit, so you can get to know your many grandchildren.
-Love, your son, Joshua.
P.S. Dad, none of the above is true. I’m over at Jason’s house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than the school report that’s on the kitchen table. Call when it is safe for me to come home!
