'Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain; why the early bird gets the worm; Life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.
It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Elastoplast to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, I Want It Now, Someone Else Is To Blame, and I'm A Victim.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.'
At this point, I will not move regarding visitation until I see my daughter's interim report. In 3 weeks.
In the meantime, I going to get her as much as I can, starting this weekend. Even if I have to bribe her. I ain't above it. I've got to get the door of communication back open between me and her. I'm just going to have to keep my mouth shut about school for now because that is the main source of contention.
tread carefully with the bribing...... that's all i got. however, i know that things aren't good with you but i gotta be selfish, check my thread, i need you
I don't care what you think, as long as it's about me.
I'm sorry to see you struggling so much but there is a reason for it and there is a lesson in it. Search for that reason and learn the lesson that is being taught.
I know how how low and how small the world can make you feel. Please keep in mind just how much the people in this forum admire your strength, tenacity and most of all, your faith.
You are handling things in the right way. You are handling things in His way. Don't be discouraged.
