This post was originally published on December 18, 2008.
Today
we broke out our "Rice Table" for the first time this season.
Basically it's a long plastic tub full of rice and toys to play and
pour with (i.e. indoor sandbox). I spread a large camping
tarp on the living room floor, roll the rice table out, then spend the
next 15-20 minutes practicing deep breathing exercises in the hope that
spilled rice won't go shooting across the room.
We've never had a throwing
rice incident (knock on wood), but many accidental spills. Oh yes,
hence the tarp. But since we have the tarp, why do those little spills
bother me?
Control. I think that's what it boils down
to - I'm a control freak in rehab. And the rehab center is my house -
with a 5, 4, and 3-year-old administering the therapy. I've come a long
way in my recovery, but I still have a long way to go. Luckily I have
my "in-house" therapists with me for the next 15 years to help me out.
Jonathan
also had control issues to work on today. For a variety of reasons, he
wasn't able to watch a video with the other two children this morning.
His little heart was broken and he was OUT of control! I could
completely empathize, having had my own rice table experience earlier.
I
think it just goes to show, we're going through similar things at
different levels. Me and these little people, working our issues out together one day at a time. I'm grateful for second, third, and fourth chances to try again.
But it might be a few days before the rice table makes another appearance in the living room.
Anyone out there want to 'fess up with me to your own control issues?
