There is a long running joke among my close friends and family that I am a big bubble wrap freak! I love bubble wrap! It's protective, flexible, strong and fun all at the same time and popping those little air bubbles makes me happy. Bonus! :)
I shared in previous post about the cruel comments made to my husband by one of his siblings. He and I are both still trying to wrap our heads around that and come to terms with just how miserable someone would have to be to act in such a horrid manner. I have never seen something bother my husband as much as this has and I totally understand why it does, My heart aches for him.
I have found myself needing to withdraw a bit from the world. I want to build a Bubble Wrap Fort and keep the ones I love safe from any cruelty, hurt or pain. I want to keep myself safe from that too. Yesterday I did not even want to leave my home to go down and get the mail. Being here at home felt safe. Jeff and I worked on learning how to set up our tent for a camping trip and worked on sorting through DVDs and CDs to sell at our yard sale.
I made the mistake of then going onto Facebook to see the pictures of my grandsons Isaiah's birthday. All was going well until I made a comment on a friend's post about how I could understand why the Bernie Sanders supporters were having a hard time switching their support to Hillary Clinton, given everything that had happened and been said during the campaign. My comment was met by questioning my intelligence by my friend and some of her friends. That hurt. She has always been a very blunt person, but I had hoped we could have a dialog where we could be respectful and learn from one another. I guess that was not to be and to be honest, it is making me re-evaluate why I would even remain friends with her.
People who hurt others bother me to my core. There is so much evil going on on the world around us and we should be able to feel safe around our family and friends. I try to make my home a safe and comforting place for all, myself included. My friends, who are going through horrible crisis in their lives, comment about how they just feel enveloped in love here. It has become their safe haven. My family knows that they are welcome here at any time and they have keys to come and go as they please. I try to make sure that my husband knows how much I love and appreciate him. He is my safe place and I am his.
Lately I feel like the metaphorical walls of our safe haven are being breached with all the ugliness that surrounds us. I need to separate myself from those in my life who would seek to hurt us. I feel the need to "reinforce the walls" so to speak of our home to keep us all cocooned and feeling very loved and valued.
I think I will just go back to building my Bubble Wrap Fort.
Embarking on and embracing this next chapter of my life where I start the great adventure of becoming a grandmother.
Deb I was almost in tears as I read your post. I am now moving into the angry field. How dare those people take advantage of your true and loving nature to put you down. People like those lash out due to their inability to accept that their opinion is not necessarily the one that all hold dear. These people are often left feeling angry and this negativity leaks out of them like a poison. Get out your metaphorical cricket bat, I guess you're more likely to have a baseball bat, and beat the buggers over the head with it. Remember I did say this was a metaphorical exercise. Hope that your day improves and that the walls of your fort fart the nasties into orbit.
ReplyDeleteOh Jane, your comments near the end made my hubby and I giggle. Thank you so much for that. :) I appreciate your kindness and comments and I will remember that the bat is metaphorical. ;)
DeleteI think I need one of those bubble wrap forts too! I'm learning that this election year, it is best not to mention politics at all. Why is everyone so touchy? I read your post about your husband and I'm very sorry. As someone that has a similar relationship with one of my sisters, I've learned that the best way to deal with it, is to realize whatever their reactions are is a reflection upon them, sorry to say they are just horrible people, even if they are siblings. It's life. BTW, since you love Bubble Wrap, did you know that it makes a great extra layer of insulation on windows for the winter? We put it on our bathroom window where we never open the curtains anyway. Works great! Hope you have a better week!
ReplyDeleteJane
Jane, it seems the election year has brought out the worst in some people doesn't it? I am so sorry that you have a similar family situation that we do and you are right. (((((HUGS))))) I had heard that about bubble wrap. I may have to try it in the guest bedroom windows this Winter since we shut the doors to those rooms so as not to have to heat them. I hope you are having a great week also. :)
DeleteThanks for the hugs! Always appreciated!
DeleteDebbie I can thoroughly understand how you feel right now. While you liken your situation to bubble wrap I envision myself stacking bricks and reinforcing the walls to keep the bad stuff away and myself protected. I would then sit in my brick fort and pop bubble wrap because it is so dang fun! Ha, ha.
ReplyDeleteI tried to help a friend today and because she is scared her reaction was to get angry and take it out on me. She also accused me of trying to do her harm too. Her behavior was more of a bratty child then a full grown mature adult. It stung and I was shocked to be treated that way by a friend. I took the high road and told her I was sorry to hear she felt that way and that I hoped things got better for her and to take care. Hopefully she'll realize her anger was misplaced and come to terms with the fact that she is in this boat because of her own actions. No one has done anything to her. It is crazy.
Sending you hugs and best wishes. Things will get better! :)
Well I am really glad to hear that you will have bubble wrap in your fort at least. ;) We all need to have some entertainment while we are safely protected from the outside world. ;)
DeleteI'm sorry your friend acted that way. To accuse you of trying to do her harm??? My advice to you would be to just walk away and distance yourself from her. She does not sound like a healthy person but rather like someone who will continue to lash out and blame others for her mess. (((((HUGS)))) to you.
I agree with those of you who think this election is particularly nasty. We spew poison at each other which does nothing to change or influence anyone to a different point of view. It is especially ridiculous to treat friends and family this way. Where are our manners. What happened to "If you can't say anything nice" ... you know the rest and so should they.
ReplyDeleteYep! I have lost so much respect for people who are so narrow minded that they will not even consider that someone who may have a different point of view may have very valid reasons for feeling that way. I have other friends that I am able to have meaningful dialogues with because even if we see things from different viewpoints, we are respectful and learn from one another. I like that way best. :)
DeleteHi Debbie,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about this. Can I join you in the bubble wrap fort? We are having difficulties with our 14 year old sons behavior and it has left me feeling anxious and not wanting to leave the house. I've just replied to your comment on my blog about the dandelion balm as well. xx
Thanks Mel and sure, come on over! There is plenty of room for friends and family in my fort. I'm sorry your son's behavior is causing you concern. Praying for you and for him too.
Delete(((HUGS))) People seem to have lost the ability to respect other people's opinions, if they ever did.
ReplyDeleteI know Bless and it is so sad.
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