Things I Cannot Change, or, Blessings? Consider Them Counted!
Recently, while perusing the graphic novel collection at my local public library, I happened across a charming book called ‘Amelia Rules!‘. I instantly fell in love with the spunky 4th grader. I also became a huge fan of the creator.
Jimmy Gownley is a cartoonist who cares. With ‘Amelia Rules!’ he set out to create a comic with classic comic strip sensibilities that did not talk down to kids. His success at this is overwhelming. Jimmy is a co-founder of Kids Love Comics!, an organization that promotes literacy through comics. Something I can certainly relate to and support.
The reason I began this post by introducing Amelia and Jimmy to you is because, obviously, I think they are incredible. But also because a story in the fourth volume, ‘When the Past is a Present‘ really hit home for me. The story is called ‘The Things I Cannot Change’. This is a story of how one of the kids in Amelia’s school is dealing with her father being sent to war.
Lately, I have been putting in a loooot of hours preparing for inventory at the store, and I was feeling a little down in the dumps about that. Fifteen hour overnight shifts don’t leave much for family time, and I could tell that it was hitting my two year old pretty hard. I explained to her that work was how I got money for toys and food. She pushed me out of the door that night, but I still felt terrible.
I then read ‘The Things I Cannot Change’ and it put things in perspective for me. At least I wasn’t getting deployed. My family wasn’t seeing me as often as I’d like, but they were seeing me. I was still tickling the two year old at least once a day! My heart has always gone out to the men and women fighting for our rights, but sometimes it takes a reminder that my own life isn’t as bad as all that. Amelia reminded me in a way that I hadn’t felt in a long time. And then she made me laugh, which is a wonderful thing.
As previous posts have indicated, I really make every attempt at staying positive. I don’t see a need to stress because that just locks me up and keeps me from taking care of the business at hand. But sometimes, I do let things get to me. At these times when most people feel like picking up a bottle, I reach for a comic book. Boy, did I pick up the right one this time!
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Tags: Amelia, Amelia Rules!, Arts, Cartoonist, Comic strip, comics, Graphic novel, Jimmy Gownley
What a great post man. Fatherhood Friday is awesome. I mean, your situation seems difficult, but you have a great perspective and that is a great thing to model to children. Setting the right example has got to be one of the most important things we can do and you got that part down. Also, very cool comic find–let’s not forget that.
Joe’s last blog post..Fatherhood Friday, Week 7
It’s awesome that you mention Kids Love Comics. The more press they get the better
I do a lot of work with Mark McKenna who’s Bananatail character was a part of their Comics Diner FCBD book last year.
Keep staying positive. It makes life easier and more pleasant
Great post. When I’m feeling like this and don’t have much time with my little on..I watch him sleep…That really lifts me up.
Mytwodaddies’s last blog post..We’re Going To See Mama
Wouldn’t it be great if comic books could solve all of our problems?
Mocha Dad’s last blog post..Fatherhood Fragments: Featuring Nee
Isn’t it great when something like that happens – you find encouragement is something completely unexpected?
Thank you for highlighting this graphic novel series. I’ll have to check it out.
Happy FF!
Isabella’s last blog post..Fatherhood Friday: Dads are the Best!
It sucks not being around your kid, but I give you props. You’re better than any of those POS dads who puts in a shift and just comes home to veg out, or goes golfing or something else outside the house.
You’re busting your hump to make a better life for your kids and in the end that’s all that matters!
New-Dad-Blog’s last blog post..Cooking with New Dad
my husband is a guy who is gone 12 hrs a day. he only gets to spend a small amount of time with us unless he’s off. even then, he’s always trying to catch up on something *sigh* but you’re right, at least you can go home everyday to your loved ones. those deployed cannot. i grew up a navy brat, and even though my father was not in war during my childhood, he was gone for several months at a time.
i’m glad that you found something that gave you some perspective, and that you’re feeling a little more positive about things
ciara’s last blog post..FF #43 and Fatherhood Friday #7
Great post. It’s funny how kids can completely change your perspective on life. Just when you think you’ve got it bad they make you realize that you don’t. And they do it without even trying, that’s the best part!
smartfathers’s last blog post..Brag About Your Kids
Thank you all for the kind words! Just when I think I’m all alone and fighting battles alone, along comes FatherHood Friday for me to vent and be reassured!
Jason, very cool that you work with Mark McKenna and Kids Love Comics. I will continue to show my support for those guys on this blog and other places.
Mocha Dad: OK, so we probably won’t solve all the world’s problems with comics, but I do think they can help. My dream? That eventually Hollywood will tap into gems like Amelia Rules! just as much as the standard Superhero summer blockbuster stuff and bring these amazing characters to the masses!
One can only hope…
That’s an excellent perspective you have there. This is a great post. But because I’m me, I have to say, have you tried the bottle and a comic book combo?
Great post. I am glad that you can find needed relief in a comic book.
I am just catching up on all the FF posts from yesterday and really enjoyed yours. I have never been a comic book fan but I am suddenly interested in “Amelia Rules”, especially because I have a fourth grade girl of my own. Thanks for your honesty. I work long hours and sometimes travel away from home for months at a time so I can really relate to how challenging it is to be away from the kids.
21stCenturyMan’s last blog post..Snapshot Saturday: Sec 113, Row 6, Seat 5
Twitter: CK_Lunchbox
says:
The Kids Love Comics is a really cool deal. I’ve even been working comic books into my lesson plans for school next year. Have you checked out “Toon Books?” Sort of the same concept.
http://clarkkentslunchbox.blogspot.com/2008/12/toon-books-keep-your-adult-kids-from.html
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