Ownership

She’s numb, says she can’t feel anything for her husband, children or grandchildren.    
 
Psychologically, she’s already checked out of her living hell but she’s surrounded by the remnants of all their wrongdoing.    
   
Lamenting over the things he didn’t say or do to shape their children into better human beings as she takes blow after blow whilst bailing them out of trouble, time & time again.    
   
The deep set frown lines upon her face and her silver flowing hair show no sign of wisdom or clarity, and it’s true, wisdom doesn’t necessarily come with age.    
   
Emotionally, she’s broken and can’t find an ounce of pride whilst gazing upon the existence of her offspring, and their offspring.    
   
Truth be told, I have no pity for people who do not raise their children to obey the law, as they go on to abandon their responsibilities as grown adults throughout life.  
   
Children, are a product of their environment, and ultimately, their parents. If you don’t have the means, patience and stability to raise a child, then don’t engage in unprotected sex.    
   
Easy for me to say in this day and age, however, it’s the truth.  
   
I want to hug her, but also tell her that her and her husband must take ownership of their mistakes, and stop blaming other people for the things they failed to do, as parents.  
   
But then, I feel sorry for her as I can see the devastation in her eyes at the realisation that she has not raised her children right as her grandchildren attempt to navigate their way through the dysfunctional family unit.  
   
Those little bastards don’t even have a chance as they default to basic survival mechanisms, just to get by in life. I hope they value their education and use it to rise above the tragedy that surrounds them.  
   
Only then, will they feel a sense of liberation as they gain some kind of independence and strength to break the cycle of poverty & dysfunction.  
   
So. I say nothing, and let this inner dialogue unfold whilst sipping my coffee, before getting up and walking away.  
 
Knowing, that I’ll never do that to my children and if they ever broke the law, I would write them off in an instant, without any second thoughts.  
   
Tough love, goes a long way ! I know, because I was one of those grandchildren, once upon a time...