It had been a rough trip to the gym.  My boys had gotten into a scruff during their game.  In the locker room, I even needed to pull Jesus into the mix.  “Do you guys know what YMCA stands for?  Young Men’s CHRISTIAN Association.  Are you acting like a Christian?”  Sorry to involve you Jesus, but your help was appreciated.

Lots of silence on the drive home.  Plenty of grumpiness.  Brotherly love replaced with brotherly grudge.

As we arrived home, they all went to their own spots with plenty of room between them.  This seemed to help until dinner, when they were all expected to coexist around the table.

Charlene, knowing nothing of the underlying angst, asked, “How was the gym?”  Stepping in, I responded, “It was fine.”  Then to my wonder and in an act of solidarity beyond measure, the boys responded with silence.

Ah, good job kids.  Stop the bleeding.  No need to ratchet up the dispute.  Healing through mutual avoidance of further pain, it’s a start.  Boys, keep up the good work and keep those mouths shut.