Lips Touching

Kisses

The Good Ones

The Bad Ones

I'm sure each of us have had plenty of each.

But which kiss do you remember most?

Was it your first kiss?

I've always had a hard time pin pointing my first kiss. I once got dared to kiss a boy when I was seven, and of course dare devil that I was, I puckered right up.

I don't remember if I liked it or hated it, I mostly remember being proud that I followed through on the dare.

Still, I don't consider that my first kiss, regardless if 'technically' it was. I think I kissed my neighbor once while playing house too. Another dare I believe. I don't consider that my first kiss either. (I wonder if he does?)

My first kiss that actually meant anything took place in the middle of a circle of trees. I was playing hide and seek at the camp ground we camped at every Forth of July and Labor day. I'd been waiting for this kiss for an entire year. It was the first time I fell in .... well not love, but it felt like it at the age of thirteen. It was the quickest kiss in the history of kisses but my lips continued to feel it for days.

Still that was just a quick peck on the lips, nothing more, nothing less.

The first real kiss happened a year or so later. A boy I had liked on and off during my Freshman year in high school and I were hanging out and ended up at the creek behind the local park. I'd been waiting for him to kiss me for what seemed like forever, but he seemed to be avoiding it. I assumed it might be because he was too shy, or possibly he'd never kissed a girl. So I asked him.

"Have you ever kissed a girl?"

"Not really." he answered.

"Well you can try it if you want to." I offered.

Now I was expecting another quick peck on the lips. I'd kissed a couple other boys since my first kiss and none of them had made it anything past that stage. So when he leaned over and stuck his tongue in my mouth I was slightly shocked, but not entirely appalled.

This kiss ... that lasted well more than a quick moment ... left a smile on my face for the entire day. Then a week later I broke up with him.

Then a year later I fell in love with him.

There is nothing better than falling in love at the age of sixteen. Sweet sixteen love is pure and emotional and wonderful. The kisses are extraordinary.

Still nothing is better than first kisses. I can remember the first kiss with everyone I have ever kissed. Some were absolutely fantastic, some were absolutely dreadful.

I remember my first kiss with my husband. It was absolutely fantastically dreadful. It was an awkward kiss. An unexpected kiss. A kiss that left us both smiling, regardless of the mess that it was. But we both knew we would have to make up for that kiss and said goodnight without regret. The second kiss wasn't any better. I fell of the curb and onto him and we laughed the entire time. And the third time we finally got it right.

Still, none of these kisses are the kiss I remember most. There is another kiss that stands out. A kiss that I think of every time I watch a corny romantic movie. You know the kiss. The kiss that means nothing but at the very same time means everything. The kiss where you close your eyes and your face tightens because your entire mind is wrapped around that kiss. The kiss where you place your hands on his face and hold on for dear life because you never want to let go, though you know you are going to have to in a very short amount of time. It takes your breath away until your lips part. And afterward you step away staring at each other and gasping for air. Its the kiss that hurts.

What? A kiss that hurts?

Oh yes.

The kiss that hurts.

We've all been there.

Kissing the man we love goodbye because he is leaving on a business trip. Or kissing him hello because something terrible had just happened and you thought you would never see him again. Or even a kiss that signifies a break up that you are not entirely sure you want, but know you need.

The kiss that hurts.

It was one of those kisses that I remember most. This kiss does not need details or explanations. It was a perfect seven seconds that was horrifically painful. But every ounce of agony was worth it.

Ever had one of those?

Which kiss do you remember the most?

Genetics

Genetics SUCK! (Ahhh look at that literary masterpiece!)

It's been a very emotional week. My son has been having some problems at school and I think I am seeing where this is all starting to go.....

He's had the diagnosis of ADHD and ODD, but there seems to be something more lurking in the background. Something causing severe mood swings and some irrational/sometimes violent (not towards people....more just books and desks) behavior.

And just like every parent would probably say ... I'm going to say it too. He's really a great kid! He's brilliant and sweet and loving ... when he wants to be.

Genetics ... genetically following in his crazy mother's footsteps. Crazy mother has her craziness 99% under control, but only after 28 years of dealing with it. How do I help this poor 7 year old child who has no control over what he is dealing with. This child who wants to be good, but for some reason can't?

We've tried EVERY tactic in the book. Nothing is working. I'm open to suggestions. And I'm truly open to some prayers right now. I'm an emotional wreck with all this. It's so hard to watch him melt down. It's hard to watch him be upset and frustrated.

I mean tell me how a 7 year old boy can have low self esteem? He's beautiful, he's insanely intelligent, everyone likes him, we are killing him with kindness lately. Why does he always think he is not good enough? (side note....I feel the exact same way about myself...so I get how he feels it....just not why)

I know there is no way to reverse genetics, but if someone finds a way please let me know! I can't stand the thought of watching this kid go through everything I went through merely because he is constantly battling his own mind. UGH