The Shoemaker and the Brat

Written by Patricia Gatto


Continued from page 1

When I got home, I explained everything to my dad. As usual, my dialog was animated. I clutchedrepparttar bag, imitatedrepparttar 110820 shoemaker and walked aroundrepparttar 110821 living room acting out my dramatic exit fromrepparttar 110822 shop. Then I handed my dadrepparttar 110823 bag. He looked in it and smiled.

"Honey, I love you. I'm so happy that you care so much about my shoes, but what am I going to do with them now?"

That's when he pulledrepparttar 110824 shoes out. The heels were removed andrepparttar 110825 soles were cobbled out. They were useless, like a patient pulled out of surgery beforerepparttar 110826 doctor finishedrepparttar 110827 operation.

"Patience, honey," he said gently. "There is no point in working yourself up over something that you have no control over."

I tried to argue with his logic. I told himrepparttar 110828 shoemaker had a job to do and he didn't live up to his obligation. My dad smiled again.

"Honey, think about it. It's just a pair of shoes. I have others. Choose your battles wisely and always deliver them with respect. Tomorrow you will bringrepparttar 110829 shoes back torepparttar 110830 shoemaker and apologize. Explain that you understand he is busy and I am certain you will get positive results."

That's how my dad conducts his life, with patience and respect, no matter what is handed to him. It's one ofrepparttar 110831 many reasons I love him so much.

My father's response was not belittling or disrespectful. He reminded me that we can't always have what we want when we want it. He showed me that our responses to a difficult situation show our true character. Acceptance, forgiveness and understanding are key elements to a healthy outlook on life.

Even to this day, whenever I am in a difficult situation, I remind myself not to be a heel, and always show sole.

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Publishing Guidelines: You are welcome to publish this article in its entirety, electronically, or in print fre.e of charge, as long as you include you includerepparttar 110832 full byline, hyperlinks and Resource Box.

E-mail or courtesy link appreciated when you publish mailto:Joyful-Productions@comcast.net

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Title: The Shoemaker andrepparttar 110833 Brat Author: Patricia Gatto Copyright 2004. All Rights Reserved Category: Parenting Word Count (including Resource Box): 800

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Patricia Gatto and John De Angelis are the authors of MILTON'S DILEMMA, the tale of a lonely boy's magical journey to friendship and self-acceptance. As advocates for literacy and children's rights, the authors speak at schools and community events to foster awareness and provide children with a safe and healthy learning environment. For more information, please visit Joyful Productions at http://www.joyfulproductions.com


Your Baby's Colic

Written by Karen Zastudil


Continued from page 1

Overrepparttar years, there have been many stories about foods breastfeeding mothers should avoid. What dorepparttar 110819 facts show? Breastfeeding mothers who eat gas producing food DO NOT induce gas or crying in their babies. The gas mothers may get from gas producing food comes fromrepparttar 110820 undigested part that remains in their intestines. The portion that entersrepparttar 110821 blood stream and then makes its way torepparttar 110822 breastmilk is notrepparttar 110823 part that producesrepparttar 110824 gas inrepparttar 110825 first place. It was mentioned that a single glass of wine inrepparttar 110826 evening may be good for both mom and baby. Foods that should be avoided would include caffeinated beverages, chocolate, nuts and possibly some dairy products or spices. Caring for a colicky baby can be exhausting forrepparttar 110827 already worn out mom. Colic is no-ones fault, so don't burden yourself with extra stress and guilt. Do your best to relax and remember that your baby will outgrow it.

If you are ever unsure whether your baby's crying is colic or a symptom of another illness, check with your pediatrician, by all means!



Karen is a graduate of of Cleveland State University and is a freelance writer. Visit her website at http://www.womenatthesummit.com - A site of general interest to women. Topics include: Pregnancy, Children, Parenting, Health and wellness, Diet and Fitness, Relationships, Money, Travel and more.


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