WFMW

He's almost 10, an artist, a melancholy by temperament, tender-hearted, prone to be self-critical, and a middle child. Often he feels misunderstood.

He'd had a hard evening. In the morning, he wasn't feeling much better. We talked about it and resolved some things but still he wasn't himself. Later as I was walking through the living room I spied a small note on the piano bench placed where I would see it. It had one word written in his handwriting - a simple "Sorry!" A heart draw as the dot on the exclamation point. He had said this early but apparently he felt like he hadn't said it quite right.

I had an idea.

I took a clean sheet of paper, wrote him a message, and put it silently on his dresser where I knew he would see it. Then when I walked by after a while, I noticed that he had written me a message back. Our note writing went on like this in small bursts over the next few days until the paper was full.



So today I bought a notebook for us. I placed it on his dresser with this first simple message inside,

This notebook is for us. If you have messages for me, write them here,
and if I have a message for you, I'll do the same.

Later I'll check for a reply. Just another way to make a connection with him. I figure - the more ways we have, the better.

Being creative about keeping the communication channels open - works for me.

Don't forget to drop by Rocks in My Dryer today for more helpful ideas. Next week is WFMW: The Kitchen Edition! As Shannon describes it: "Have a clever way you organize your recipes? Plan your meals? Stock your pantry? Clean your appliances?" Get your ideas ready and share them at Rocks in My Dryer next week.