Oh, God Polgara. Much much much love and condolences to you and your sister. {{{{}}}}

If anyone is gathering money for a ginormous bouquet, let me know. I can't contribute much, but would like to contribute something.

job-ma for Anne.

{{{{Polgara and pawswithclaws}}}} I'm so very sorry.

Grrrrr. Emmett got in a tussle on the playground this morning and three bigger boys were ganging up on him.

I had dropped him off and already crossed all the way out of the school yard on the other side of the chain link fence, about to get in my car when I looked back and saw them grabbing and shoving at him and knocking his hat off (on purpose). While Emmett kicked at them.

Looked like there was a dispute about ball possession for wall ball.

Anyway, I yelled loudly enough for them to stop, then stomped all the way back onto the schoolyard, barely controlled the fist of death, yelled at the offending kids (mostly "knock it off" with a touch of menace which got their attention). Then checked in with Emmett - who was still in line to play wall ball. He mostly looked shocked and bewildered and WTF?

I hung around until the bell rang (not hovering - just back a bit to make sure nothing else happened) and then checked with him before he went into his class to see if he was okay.

You know this whole Not Pummeling Kids thing seems unduly restrictive at times.

(((Pologara and family)))

Yet more job-ma for Trudy.

Ack! Vibes and -ma for everyone that needs them, especially people who've lost someone suddenly.

Too many people, dammit.

joins in kicking the 'verse

hurts foot

Much job~ma, Anne. It sounds like you'd have an inside track, what with them already knowing about your general fabulousness.

I'm so sorry about Polgara's mother.

Oh Hec, I'm so sorry. Some kids grow up in these aggressive homes, and their parents (and I think this happens to little boys, especially) seem to train them the way they'd train Pit Bulls. It's scary and awful. Poor Emmett. I hope this passes easily for him.

Last year, a very big boy a year younger than Ben (who is very big, but the gentle variety of giant) punched Ben in the face, during a pick-up football game, after school. I think it took Ben the whole weekend to get over the shock, as he has never been a hitter, never mind a puncher. I felt so sorry for him, because I could see on his little face how violated and unsafe he felt. I couldn't go to the parents, because I know the father in that seen-him-around-the-playground way, and he's a creepy stalker who corners women alone, and stands too close while he talks, and generally sets off all my alarms. The mother was on hand that day, and seemed to do the best she could at the time. It seemed overkill to go to the school, because it was a one-time-thing, one kid, and it was the result of a game.

If this is any sort of loosely organized bullying, don't hesistate to take it up with the school administration. Emmett shouldn't have to feel intimidated, waiting to get into school in the morning.

Also, job~ma to Trudy. May the pinstripe suit, however fetching, become a thing of the past for you.

God. I've yet to meet Emmett, but I've got a real strong urge to tell those kids that, should they want to see their next birthday? A new hobby would be a Very Good Choice. How scary would I be for my kid? Parents meets Paulie Walnuts. Yikes.