Uppers and Downers

Our days are full of ups and downs. One minute our child gives us an unsolicited hug or thank you and we feel on top of the world, and then the next minute, they are pooping in the bathtub. Am I right? This post is about sharing a few of my uppers and downers the past two days. And, if you are here hoping to hear about a different kind of upper or downer, shame on you! This is not that kind of blog.

The Uppers: Yesterday I got to listen to Kyle give his very first talk in church. Yep, we like to start them young. He is 4. If you ever wonder why Mormons are so good at public speaking, then it is usually because we are forced to from the ripe ole age of 4. His topic was, “The Earth Is Created for Heavenly Father’s Children”. So, I started by asking him a few questions that elicited some fun responses that I wrote down in talk form. Voila. A talk for a sunbeam. Here it is:

I know there are different countries on the earth. I like the blue water and the snow on the earth. I also like that the earth is in space. I know that it is super BIG! Things I like on the earth are the trees and dirt and mountains and clouds. I also like grass and bugs. The things I like to do on earth are eat (of course) and play outside. I know that we live on earth and Heavenly Father created it for me.

As we were practicing the night before, I decided to draw pictures to help him know where he was in his talk, since he doesn’t read yet. He couldn’t help but just giggle non-stop when we were practicing, but then when he got up there, he delivered it like a pro that had been doing public speaking his whole life! So proud of him. 

I love that his favorite thing to do on earth is eat. That sounds about right for my kid.

This morning I watched a friend’s kids for her. They were good for me. Thank goodness. It took my mind off my self which is always a good thing, and kept me busy. I also realized I never want to have 4 kids in carseats that I have to buckle in. My hats off to you if you fall into that category. I would never leave the house. Seriously. And, two babies that can’t walk? Geez. I have a friend that just had triplets. They already had a 6, 5, and 4 year old. Reading their blog exhausts me. It is written by Jake, the Dad. They are just the kind of people that can handle 6 kids 6 and under. Not me. Nope.

And, I really enjoyed this blog post today from another Momma that seems to “get it”. Whatever it is. But, I always enjoy her blog. You should check it out.

The Downers: And, I finally got a response from Southwest. Want to hear it? My ad libs are in parenthesis.

Dear Mrs. Ethington:

Your correspondence has been reviewed and we deeply regret the damage to your stroller. There is probably  no other mistake an airline makes that is more upsetting (really? How about killing people?) than the mishandling (or ruining) of a Customer’s property and we apologize that your travel plans were marred by this experience.

Our baggage handlers make every effort possible to separate strollers and place them in an area where there is the least likelihood of damage. However, there can be no guarantee that turbulence or a hard landing will not cause baggage shifts, which can cause the more fragile containers and articles on top of the stacked luggage to fall and subsequently become damaged by other items coming down on top of them. Historically, unprotected (yes they italicized that) strollers cannot withstand normal handling whether stacked or not and obviously cannot withstand any irregular cargo bin shifts, which are quiet commonplace in commercial aircraft. Consequently, we have found it necessary to incorporate liability limitations as part of the Contract of Carriage under which we operate. You will find our baggage policies are similar if not identical to those of all major airlines.

In accordance with the conditions of our Contract of Carriage, unfortunately we are unable to accept liability for the damage to your stroller. You are a valued Customer and we regret the occurrence of this incident, and hope that you will understand our position in this matter.

Sincerely,

Carolyn F. Spencer

I am going to mull that over for a couple of days before I take my next step. If they really feel like that “historically strollers cannot handle normal handling and cargo shifts”, then why are they allowing the service in the first place!!!??? Instead of making me sign a vague waiver that is not explained thoroughly, why don’t they train employees to tell us, “We don’t recommend that you take your stroller to the gate. There is a very good chance that it could be damaged beyond repair, and we will not be held responsible” Do you think I would still take it? Maybe not. If you want to see my original letter I sent to them, go here.

And, last but not least, downer number two. My blogging job has come to an end for now. This is a bittersweet thing for me. And, I’m trying to take it as a sign that I need to focus on other things for now. I’ve been feeling lately like I want to grow this blog. And, as a result, I had felt a little bogged down by the other blogging job. Now, I’m going to miss that little check I get every month, and the writing I did there that always caused me to dig deep and be creative, but I think that this blog is where I need to be right now. For whatever it may bring. I’m sad, but will be looking for new opportunities. I’m trying to stay positive and think, “When one door closes….” Except I kinda hate that saying. It’s so cliche.