"Firestarter"
13 Comments - Show Original Blog

Sounds like a nine-year-old boy. Also sounds like me. Being the dominant twin with a rather dull, but rich, buddy from across the alley as a friend, I was the instigator–always in trouble.

At seven we decided to smoke butts. Finally, we graduated to buying a pack of cigarettes from the local delicatessen. While lighting our cigarettes from a small fire between two buildings, we got the rotten wood in one building smoldering and couldn't put it out. Our dull friend got the lady that own the property to call the fire department–no damage done– thank goodness.

A week later a police lady picks this up and chastises us for smoking “dirty butts.”

Worst thing ever was when my grandfather told my father that he wanted to see those, “fire bugs.”

Ron

5/14/2011 7:50:42 AM [ Report Abuse ]

this is really a most wonderful entry christine. i'm guilty myself of starting fires, blowing out windows with BB guns, shoplifting, etc. and look how well and balanced i turned out:-(..........anyway, yes, people are petty and generally annoying and unappreciative. with respect your son, sometimes we just have to learn by experience. i think once boys get beyond the point of snips and snails and puppy-dog tails, they naturally tend to get in trouble. if they don't, check the wardrobe, as they're probably quite fond of collecting dresses and pretty skirts. don't sweat it. and what you said about when things are going well, you just know something bad is about to happen? god damn do i know that feeling!!

5/10/2011 7:40:33 AM [ Report Abuse ]

It always amazes me how the parents of others can always seem to point fingers until it happens to be their child involved. We all I think especially boys, experiment with things like making fires, pulling legs off bugs, daring each other to jump off roofs etc etc etc. I am glad you are wise enough to realize the difference in being a bad son and being one who explores even if sometimes it is a mistake that he may make.
fee

5/9/2011 11:46:30 AM [ Report Abuse ]

Christine, there are O-rings all over the planet, it's just as well your neighbors revealed their true identity now so you can save your bread for someone who appreciates it. As for the fire, well my cousin and I nearly burned down my grandpas chicken coop once, trying to boil up some rabbit skins. He raised rabbits for food and we thought we were going to tan the pelts. A few years later during my junior year in high school I spent a couple of weeks in the hospital for burns I got burning brush piles at the local church. I was doing a good deed. Now you know about my spa adventure and fire right? Your son will make a fine firefighter. Patrick

5/9/2011 10:49:04 AM [ Report Abuse ]

Christine, Loved your "Firestarter" story.
Always,
Deborah

5/9/2011 10:43:36 AM [ Report Abuse ]

Christine, no one blogs like you do.
I hope your son knows how lucky he is to have such a loving, understanding
mother. Still, he sounds like a fine
son. -gene.

5/9/2011 9:48:30 AM [ Report Abuse ]

Christine, I was immersed in your dilema, oh my, you handled this quite well. As far as that neighbor is concerned, screw her...Let her try to sue you, that is ridiculous.

You do have your hands full with that sweet boy of yours, but you know what, at least he is living his life. He is lucky to have you as his mom.

Much peace, love and light,
Amber

5/9/2011 9:26:28 AM [ Report Abuse ]

You handled the situation the way only a great mother would, Christine. You see in your son contradictions...NOT faults! He's a lucky little boy to have a Mom like you. As for the *#!* next door, your husband's right...people like that are everywhere! But now that you know what she's REALLY made of....don't do her any more favours...she blatently looked her gift horse in the mouth...and deserves to get horse spittle on her.....

Hugs,
Anna

5/9/2011 4:20:29 AM [ Report Abuse ]

Christine, I grew up with six brothers, stories are still told of life's lessons learned :) it was never a dull moment~
Love and Blessings,
Christine

5/9/2011 2:57:08 AM [ Report Abuse ]

The situation could have been disturbing for any parent. But you did ok. The writing is riveting. The emotions are absorbing. Good writing!

5/8/2011 7:21:05 PM [ Report Abuse ]

Hi Christine, Fire is very exciting for young boys. I know many years ago I felt the same. He just needs to know how dangerous fire can be.
I bet he will make a great fire captain some day.
GOD BLESS YOU and Yours
Tony

5/8/2011 5:34:52 PM [ Report Abuse ]

Christine,

What a precious offering for Mother's Day! You wrote masterfully, conveying all the emotions that any mother can relate to when her son shows his more adventurous side! Thank you sharing this delightful story... and, Happy Mother's Day! Joy L. Hale

5/8/2011 4:31:06 PM [ Report Abuse ]

Don't know if this is reality or not, but at any rate it is written well, and you wove plenty of life's lesson's, or in the case of the son, mysteries.

Excellent grammar. Very good story-telling, real or not, I enjoyed it.

5/8/2011 4:30:37 PM [ Report Abuse ]