My Godson had a birthday party today. He lives about 2 hours from me. With the gas prices and my old van needing repairs, I didn’t think I would be able to go see him. My ex-husband was kind enough to loan me his old truck. We both are in need of new vehicles. His truck is 21 years old and my van is 19 years old. My 6 year old godson laughed at the old truck that looks like someone took and shot it with a machine gun full of holes on the quarter panels. The northern winter road salt has ate through the quarter panels and also on my van too.

Anyway, it was so nice to greeted by Chayton with warm kisses and hugs. We got to sit and color in the new coloring books I brought him. He shares his coloring pencils and crayons so nicely. We had a chance to talk about him and his mom living back at grandmother’s house and how he liked school. We just got one picture finished when the guest started arriving for his party. I told him I had all afternoon after the party to color more with him and talk. He was so delighted to hear that I was staying longer. We ate hot dogs, chips, potato salad and baked beans. After our meal, we sang Happy Birthday to Chayton and he blew out his candles. He opened his presents and cards, then went outside to play with the other children at the party.

When the time came for the children to leave, he hugged each one of them and told them thank you for his cards and presents. I was so proud that he used good manners. He came running up to me asking if we could color again. Then his mom and grandmother told him that he had to go see his great grandmother. He wanted me to come with them, but I was not invited to go. Chayton was very upset and started crying. I asked his mom and grandmother if it would be okay if one weekend I came and got Chayton and brought him to my house and then bring him back. They agreed. I told Chayton that hopefully in 3 weeks I would be back and bring him to my house for a weekend. It seemed to calm him down. He told me how much he loved me and missed me. I know I have got to keep my promise and go pick him up.

He has been through a lot lately with his mom and dad separating. His dad is now living with another woman who has another child and does not spend any time with Chayton. My heart hurts for Chayton to be so sad. I want to plan a special weekend with him. He definitely needs one. I love Chayton so much, he is such a wonderful child even though his mom and grandmother yell at him and say some very negative things to him. I believe that is the reason Chayton is so overweight for a 6 year old. He has no confidence and takes out his frustrations on food. I remember when his dad use to yell and call him very hateful names and I would get furious. I know all children can be trying on the nerves, but from my observation the majority of the times his parents yelled at him was because they did not want to talk to him or pay any attention to him. He could simply walk into a room and start to ask a question and the next thing I observed was someone was yelling at him and telling him to go to his room. Now his mom and grandmother are doing it. This is sending mixed messages to him about whether he is loved and wanted. So sad. I can not wait for him to come visit me and have some fun and feel the love. I wished I was able to stay longer as I had told Chayton I was going to do. When I went to leave, Chayton hugged me and we cried a few tears. I promised I would be back.

When I got home, I checked my blood sugar. I knew it would be high from eating the birthday party meal that consisted of a lot of carbohydrates. This is another reason for Chayton weight problems, too many carbohydrates.