#342

Michael wore my jeans today. They're snug on his legs, loose at the waist; he doesn't have bird legs like me, popsicle sticks, wine glass stems. The first time he does a squat lift, he'll do more than I ever could. My max, sadly, was something around body weight. This is embarrassing if you've ever been in a gym and seen a barbell, packed with 45 lb plates, bending over a guy's shoulders, as he sinks into a full seated squat, then rises, shakily, grunting and driving until he's standing again. The squat is an exercise for real men (and women). I was more of a 'curls for the girls' kinda guy.

Michael's pants are all at his mother's. It's a challenge for M 'n' m I've mentioned before: children of divorced, custody-sharing parents have two homes, two closets, two dressers; it applies to desks, books, school supplies, shoe and coat racks, sports stuff, music stuff, devices and chargers, you get it. It's a pain in the ass I never had to deal with as a kid, and I'm grateful. Whenever I pick up Michael in the evening, he's in shorts, even in Siberia weather. Whiteout snow, you spit and it freezes before it hits the ground, he doesn't care. I explain to him, sure, the car is warm, but what if we're in an accident? What if we have to exit the vehicle, and stand and wait for authorities, or help other people? My words mean nothing because he's never had a 'surprise' like this. But life is full of surprises. I'll never forget the times I've been unexpectedly scared and freezing. Michael hasn't had any moments like this apparently. I'm afraid we all do, eventually, and we learn. My grandfather was wise; he said, "Those who won't listen, must feel."

As for jokes about 'who wears the pants' when it comes to M 'n' m and me, that's easy: Megan.

Megan runs the show. She tries to anyway. Michael and I are alternately scornful, instructive, or dismissive when she is surly and bossy. I just made it sound like we're all horrible. Well, Megan loves her brother dearly, and I love Megan, and I love Michael too, and the sun still rises and sets and I think we're doing okay. For now.