Enough to Miss Christmas

"When that time comes. . ."

"It's already here, Paul!"

"There were nurses with Carol, I thought . . ."

"That's only part of it. Karen's life isn't close to normal, by any one's definition. God knows, I don't have a clue how the super-rich are supposed to raise their kids but rich or poor, this child is living in a serious void and has major issues. There, I said it. Send me home if you want to. I know I have no business telling you or anyone how to raise their kids but I can spot a problem festering and I can't help yelling about it." Paul was stunned and I was close to tears.

"I don't know what to say." I waited. "She never complains. When she wants something, I don't deny her. Granted, I left it all up to Carol when she was alive. The isolation was important to my wife. It was how she was raised. After she became ill the care givers and help followed her lead. Mrs. Doberchek is there for her."

I waved him off. "Don't go there. I don't want to hear your wife's philosophy about raising children. We promised each other not to bring up the past and I'm sticking to it. I just can't keep my mouth shut and see a beautiful childlike Karen grow up a social hermit."

"I know the kids should get out in the world but the isolation was Carol's way. After Carol's death, I didn't want to rock the boat too fast. I love my children. I'd do anything for them."

"And they'll do anything for you," I muttered,  including telling you their life is all roses when it sucks." I looked him in the eye. "Or maybe Timmy and Karen are so cloistered they don't even know what they're missing! Is this how you were raised? God knows, I wasn't! We were allowed to get in trouble and roll in the dirt and have fun and make our own decisions and learn a little about life before we were shoved out of the nest. We had chores and responsibilities and we worked for what got. What will Karen do when she has to interact with other children her age? How will she act around boys? How will either Karen or Timmy learn right from wrong? Do they have a morality teacher who comes in twice a week between Greek and opera, after their personal trainer? As far as I can see, their education is left to a retired nun and a grumpy old woman. What's the theory? Keep them in the castle so they know there are dragons on the other side of the moat?"