Jake has been part of a great group of boys in his youth group for the past 3 years. They are good freinds to him and he enjoys hanging around them. He has wanted to have the boys out to visit our farm. We talked about it last summer and tried to plan something but just got too busy. This spring semester the small group encouraged the boys to have get togethers and with that we were trying to get a plan in action. The weather just wouldn't cooperate for the month of April with cold and snow. We finally got a date on the calendar and started planning. All 3 youth leaders said the could come so we sent out the invitation and started working. We picked up sticks and gathered brush even from Grandmas. We were going to have a big bon fire. We mowed, weeded, picked up, and cleaned up. Jake organized and swept the shop. He got his truck cleaned and shined inside and out. He couldn't wait to show his truck, his new puppy, his chickens, his 4 wheelers, his room, the whole farm. This was a special day and I wanted to make it great for Jake. Jayden wanted to go look at a horse in OK, but stayed home because of the party. I got groceries for a large group, not sure if parents could come or how many to feed. I planned to grill burgers, hotdogs, have watermelon, smores over the fire and finish with root beer floats. I wanted it to be a big hit for the boys. I was really hoping for a good turn out. I hurt my back, but I was going to push through and do what I could to make the party happen. Last night the bugs came out in swarms, gnats would cover your head and face to where they were unbearable. The mosquitoes came out too and were biting. Out of nowhere, Jake's chickens were dropping dead, one, then two, then three. Maybe that was our first sign. ( We later found out the gnats are what killed the bugs). Today Mark rigged up a sprayer in the back of the gator and took the morning to spray our entire yard for bugs. We wanted everything to be perfect.
Then the text came...
A pop up event had been planned today for tonight through Cornerstone Escape at a park in Ames. Two of the boys who had already committed to Jake's party were going. Yes, they literally cancelled plans with Jake to go to a different event. Something better came along and they dropped Jake. I had only one other boy confirmed as coming along with the 3 leaders, so that changed everything. The leaders recommended rescheduling. I was so sad. Sad for Jake. I know how excited he was, how much he wanted those boys to see where he lived, his truck, his animals. Most of these boys havent been on a farm and most think of a farm as a podunk place. It was a night with his friends. I knew Jake would take it personal and he did. He was hurt, but tried to be tough about it. He told me his friends don't care. It made me so heartbroken. Mark didn't take it well at all. He was mad and explained this is why he never does things like this or has people over, they always let you down. This broke my heart too. I have been wanting to work on hospitality, having people over more often, and I wanted Mark to be willing and helpful with that as well. This certainly did not help matters. He had spent all morning spraying for the nasty bugs when I told him. HE threw his hands in the air and said he was done with these Ames people.
Jake didnt want to reschedule. He didnt want to try again. He didnt want to go through another let down. I cant say I blame the kid. I cant say I would want to try again. Sadly the only one that gets hurt in all this is us. Those boys have other friends, they see each other all the time, have get togethers, Its no big deal to them. It is to us. Its a huge deal, but nobody realizes it. I know it isn't intentional, but if they walked in our shoes maybe they would understand. It just makes me so sad. As a parent if my kid committed to one situation, I would never let them cancel for something better that came along. My Jake is sensitive and this will not be easy for him. I pray that he can see through this and not let it affect him. He is such an awesome kid and a great friend. He just hasn't found anyone that is a great friend back. I pray for his future and relationships and friendships.
Then the text came...
A pop up event had been planned today for tonight through Cornerstone Escape at a park in Ames. Two of the boys who had already committed to Jake's party were going. Yes, they literally cancelled plans with Jake to go to a different event. Something better came along and they dropped Jake. I had only one other boy confirmed as coming along with the 3 leaders, so that changed everything. The leaders recommended rescheduling. I was so sad. Sad for Jake. I know how excited he was, how much he wanted those boys to see where he lived, his truck, his animals. Most of these boys havent been on a farm and most think of a farm as a podunk place. It was a night with his friends. I knew Jake would take it personal and he did. He was hurt, but tried to be tough about it. He told me his friends don't care. It made me so heartbroken. Mark didn't take it well at all. He was mad and explained this is why he never does things like this or has people over, they always let you down. This broke my heart too. I have been wanting to work on hospitality, having people over more often, and I wanted Mark to be willing and helpful with that as well. This certainly did not help matters. He had spent all morning spraying for the nasty bugs when I told him. HE threw his hands in the air and said he was done with these Ames people.
Jake didnt want to reschedule. He didnt want to try again. He didnt want to go through another let down. I cant say I blame the kid. I cant say I would want to try again. Sadly the only one that gets hurt in all this is us. Those boys have other friends, they see each other all the time, have get togethers, Its no big deal to them. It is to us. Its a huge deal, but nobody realizes it. I know it isn't intentional, but if they walked in our shoes maybe they would understand. It just makes me so sad. As a parent if my kid committed to one situation, I would never let them cancel for something better that came along. My Jake is sensitive and this will not be easy for him. I pray that he can see through this and not let it affect him. He is such an awesome kid and a great friend. He just hasn't found anyone that is a great friend back. I pray for his future and relationships and friendships.
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