Cattāri Brahmavihārā

I’m now on the receiving end of the blame for having stood my ground. I could get angry but that really won’t help. Expecting my wife’s family to side with anyone but her is foolish and, really, when it comes down to it, I want to be free of siding period. So, I am wrong. So be it.

Right before I wrote this post I was on my way out to pick up a flower and a card for my wife to let her know I think she’s a good mother regardless of what else transpires between us. Then I got a text from my mother-in-aw telling me to be kind and asking why I didn’t send a text to my wife wishing her a Happy Mother’s Day. Funny how these things go, isn’t it?

Anyway, I was originally going to write about giving regardless of how the gift is received. I can almost guarantee that the flower and card won’t be read and thrown in immediately in the trash, so, why even give it? I suppose for myself. To make real and manifest the fact that my current opinion of her as a partner doesn’t mean she’s still not wonderful in a dozen other ways. Regardless, the flower will eventually die and the paper crumple so why not use them both in the service of kindness?

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you!