Observing a familial reaction
As a parent, I’m interested to see what “triggers” my children. Be it through thoughts, words or deeds (as a prayer used to direct us), children that are now adults are still subject to reacting to their environment. We’re separated by physical distance, but we still keep in touch. Interactively.
A generation ago, it would have been through hand-written letters. If you’ve ever composed one of those, the fever has usually cooled long before a stamp is attached to the envelope. Now, with the modern tools of social media, the time between composition and delivery of a given thought has shrunk; to seconds, in some cases.
This afternoon, son #3 took offense at the inaction of a particular university senate. Not an institution that has any particular attachment, because that’s not how it works. No, this was due to something seen (second hand) in a news report, and since the particular incident was controversial, the media had covered it (poorly). I read the reports. I can’t judge where the fault lies, nor should I. “Not my circus, not my monkeys” comes to mind.
My youngest sees things through a different lens. And when he reacts, we know about it. The nature of his world view. As a parent, I probably am more responsible than I like to admit. However, with the time and distance, my reaction is less acerbic.
The others, #1 and #2, are older. Their tempers are less apt to erupt (different responsibilities). I do take note that they are attentive, and my “take” on a story is tinted by the way they see things. A family…
