Imagine being almost 46 years old and cringy gloat dancing because you schooled your 12yo on one shot playing basketball in your driveway.
I was proud of you mom until you did that ridiculous little dance.
-by Chase
Category: Teenagers
Agents of the Law – A Short Film
Anonymous
It was deep.
It was weird.
It was much better performed than what I expected.
It was … Anonymous.
Our first real youth play. As part of his acting class at the local theater, Braden was part of the cast of this modern tale based on the Odyssey. I’ll give you a moment to put those together in your mind.
The Odyssey.
Modern.
Deep.
Twisted.
Confusing.
Here’s a summary:
Separated from his mother, a young refugee called Anon journeys through the United States, encountering a wide variety of people — some kind, some dangerous and cruel — as he searches for his family. From a sinister one-eyed butcher to beguiling barflies to a sweatshop, Anon must navigate through a chaotic, ever-changing landscape in this entrancing adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey.
Originally he was only meant to be the owner of the sweatshop, but the one-eyed butcher quit, so he took over that part as well.
I spliced together the clips I took of both of his parts … and I’m sharing it here for your enjoyment (I’m also not allowed to share to social media lest I incur the wrath of the 15-year-old).
Grab yo’ popcorn and have a seat ….
(also please note that the first few frames start out sideways and the rest runs correctly. amateur mom video footage here.)
What’d ya think? Academy Awards material?
Small Victories
It started with a small bowl of potato chips.
But it quickly became a knock down drag it out with the teenager.
Of course, as with everything else in life with a teenager, it was about so much more than that. And so much less.
The boy was unyielding. Relentless in his defiance, defending and excuses.
He was utterly disrespectful and bordering on rude. Henry talked to him. I talked to him.
The boy didn’t budge.
We even went to bed frustrated and without any pleasantries. It was truly one of those fine mom moments.
And then this morning, like a miracle, he got up and I happened to be in the laundry room right outside his door. Without hesitation, he came and gave me a hug, apologized for being so terrible, and told me he loves me.
Say what?!?
Let me restate that – he apologized for being terrible. And he gave me a hug!
This from the child who, in the course of his life, has rarely apologized for anything. Ever.
And unsolicited displays of affection? Let me reiterate that he is a teenager. And a he.
We are not the worst parents ever. (Yet.)
Maybe we are doing something right.
I won’t get ahead of myself, but it is nice to know that as he seemingly grows inches every day, his voice continues to sound more goose-like and less little-boy-like, and the hair on his face thickens, he is maturing in other ways too.
And maybe, just maybe we’re doing something right.
There is hope for us all yet.
Phew!
I think I’ll reward myself with a bowl of potato chips 🙂
