When I Grow Up

The morning started with Matthew coming down the stairs at 8:00 A.M. all dressed and ready to go. Ready to go??? Where are you going? I asked. I knew he went to the “Spanish” Mass last night with his friend. And, I also knew he went to his friend’s house to watch a movie after.

 How do I know this you ask? I know the friend’s parents and they told me. 

So anyway, back to this morning: Where are you going I asked? Matthew’s response was, “I’m going to the Soup Kitchen.” I look at him and say very irritated: “I wanted you to take your sister.” He says to me, “Oh! I forgot.” I then go up to his sister’s room and tell her to get ready in a hurry. I then fuss at her about what a mess her room is. I just can’t believe it! 

I go past Matthew and Stephen’s room and see Stephen’s things are in a mess too. The room looks like a bomb went off.  I tell myself, when he comes home from that Young Men’s Discernment Retreat I’m going to really let him have it. 


I go down stairs and I see my teenage children happily getting ready to go and serve the world. I start to ask very irritated again “What time will you be back to clean up your mess?” Instead I look at them and say, “I’ll see you later.”  

As they drive down the driveway I think. . .Gee, What’s wrong with me? These kids are great! My 18 year old son got up and was ready to go out the door at 8:00 on a Sunday morning to serve his fellow man at a Soup Kitchen. He took his 13 year old sister and for the most part they get along. 


That other kid of mine,Stephen, is at a Young Men’s Discernment Retreat: playing, praying and learning about God. Tuesday’s these  young men of mine teach a third grade religion class. There is a Bible Study on Friday nights they can’t wait to get to; they never miss the Youth Group on Sundays.  And now, I see them spending their free time doing things for others.  And I think. . .Where did these kids come from? Their mom is such a witch. GEEEEE!!! I hope when I grow up  I can be more like my kids. 

But, there is just one thing though. I still want them to clean their rooms.