Family Therapy

Mommy,

We had a family session today with Craig. We went over our 55 minutes because he was talking to Aunt Elaine by herself for a long time. I hate family sessions. There's always enough time for everyone to get warmed up and stop being polite and get real about what they're angry about. And then in the middle of it all, time is up and we have to go home together all furious at each other. I hate that.

I left Craig a voicemail during school asking him to talk Aunt Elaine into getting us the beds I want soon. Like this week. Or this weekend even - that would be fine too. She's not in any hurry. She told Craig that Dani's behavior isn't deserving of anything new. That's not really fair to Alex and me. Craig said there are laws about each kid having their own bed and aside from that, three girls with big personalities in a small room is a recipe for disaster and if she doesn't like the behavior now, it'll probably only get worse.

He really tried. I don't know that it worked. I think Aunt Elaine REALLY thinks she's doing us a favor and we should be grateful she lets us stay in her apartment at all. And maybe we should. But shit, BEDS? Alex and I have to be punished with no beds because Dani is acting like a brat? I told Dani she can sleep on the damn living room floor if she's not going to help us get new beds. She thought I was kidding until I took her blanket and pillow and put a chair against the door locking her out.

On the way out of therapy Craig said he'll call to follow up with Aunt Elaine later in the week. She was insulted and said we were constant reminders - he didn't need to remind her too about the beds. He said he won't be calling as a reminder, but just to check up and see if everything is getting worked out in a way that satisfies everyone. We'll see. I doubt I'll have a new bed any time soon.

Love,
Sam