Waiting for the parade

[vaneramos]

Yesterday, Guelph:

Some people came along the street with mailboxes collecting letters. Brenna said aloud, "I wonder what they're going to do with all the letters to Santa." The little boy in the yellow coat answered indignantly, "Give them to Santa!"

Comments

[rsc.livejournal.com]

Sounds and looks like a young lady who knows her own mind.

Nice pics. The sweater on that little kid in the background of the first two is something else.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

It's actually a parka. 'Twas a chilly day.

And yes, she does.

[grandiva1968.livejournal.com]

So now I'm getting an interesting picture of what you were like as a child…

*HUGS*

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Not from these pictures. I never had any sense of humour. I was serious and sullen and let's not go there today.

[grandiva1968.livejournal.com]

*HUG*

[noveldevice.livejournal.com]

Better watch it. Your older daughter is turning into a teenager. :)

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Oh, I've been well aware of that since she was 10. The summer of 2002 was a rough one for us, but she had settled down and become more fun to be around by this summer. She talks to me about a lot of things--like bands, boys and piercings--that she probably wouldn't if we lived together. There's not much point in me playing a heavyweight, so I'm glad she talks. Unfortunately I see Marian pretending to be less bright than she is in order to fit in, but I don't know what to do about it. My bigger worry is that they won't be able to relate to me because they are being raised as evangelical Christians and going to a Baptist private school, but these days we're getting along fine.

[twillhead.livejournal.com]

Being raised evangelical Christians does not necessarily mean your girls are going to BECOME them. I think having a gay Dad will force them to ask tough questions and possibly -- probably -- help them to become better people. You'll give them a lot of things, Van, but I think the most precious gift they will learn from you is compassion.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, I have several friends in similar situations, and things don't necessarily work out that way. I'm optimistic about my relationship with my daughters, but I expect we'll have some challenges.

[dakoopst.livejournal.com]

You can definitely see the familial resemblance, especially between you and Brenna here...

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

That's interesting, because I actually think Marian looks more like me. She definitely has more of my mannerisms, and that makes us seem more alike in person. But Brenna and I have much in common, too.

[quirkstreet.livejournal.com]

Face deep in Harry Potter book. My kinda kid. :)

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

She has read them all at least twice! She had loaned this one to my friend Sylvie during the summer, and we stopped to pick it up on our way to the parade.

[leafshimmer.livejournal.com]

So, what was the parade? It looks like it was a lot of fun for all the kids.

OUCH. It hurts to read that your girls are being raised Evangelical Christian in a religious school. They are all the more fortunate to have you in their lives. If they ever decide they want to know more about the rest of the world, they will have a remarkable man of vision and courage to turn to--their Dad.

hugs, Shimmer

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

It was the Santa Claus parade.

[rsc.livejournal.com]

In the middle of fucking November? Any self-respecting Santa Claus would still be in a pupal stage at this time of year.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Santa Claus parades are always in November up here. I suppose it might be different in the States, but we got our Thanksgiving over with more than a month ago, so people might as well start Christmas shopping. There's nothing else to spend money on. ;-)

[rsc.livejournal.com]

Oh, that happens here too (well, not the parade as far as I know, but the "Holiday Shopping" season is definitely upon us). Doesn't mean I have to approve.

I was originally going to say "Before Thanksgiving?" but I remembered in time that it isn't, for you.

<G> They are great kids!

[djjo.livejournal.com]

And now I SO want to knit Brenna's gloves! I guess it's cause I'm making myself a pair right now. Anytime I see something cool that I'm currently working on, it makes me want to make another one!

Hugs Van. It was great fun with you all, and great seeing you last night.

Re: <G> They are great kids!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I haven't had a good look at what you're working on lately. I look forward to seeing it next visit.

Bigs hugs.