Post A5sssJiLndF3eVDKOO by Milllathefiend@social.quodverum.com
(DIR) More posts by Milllathefiend@social.quodverum.com
(DIR) Post #A5rU8pHxTzJACQgWB6 by StevenDouglas@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T07:02:15Z
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THREADChristmas 1990My 4 year-old niece Savannah was an only child. Chubby, freckle-faced, and mostly pathetic-sad and whiny.My sister (her mother) was going through a rough divorce and the stress showed on both constantly. We were all at a HUGE family Christmas Day gathering at another sister's house. Wrapping paper all over their floor, toys out, smells from the kitchen. Laughter everywhere from happy Who's from Whoville on crack.All except for Savannah.
(DIR) Post #A5rUmqSiXT55QFndtg by StevenDouglas@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T07:07:58Z
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Savannah was whiny-crying, inconsolable. 4 year-old Megan wouldn't share with her, didn't want to play her negative little ass.Nobody did. The little snot-faced turd in the punch bowl just couldn't be consoled no matter what was offered to her. Everyone, including me, was sick of hearing her whine, tired of her snotty face. Can't she just go take a damned nap? From a dining room I heard everyone suddenly turn on her. VICIOUSLY. Starting with Mom, who had it with her.
(DIR) Post #A5rVNcm2OXGtgQNGYS by StevenDouglas@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T07:16:07Z
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Nobody held back. "Take your crying out of here, nobody wants to hear it! GET OUT!"Savannah's crying turned to loud heaving sobbing as she left, 86'd from the large living room. Alone. Seeing Savannah become FAIR GAME put me into a state of momentary shock.They were wolves now. Savannah was the frightened rabbit. And in my heart, in that moment, she was MINE. F*** EVERYONE ELSE. I had disdain for everyone, INCLUDING MYSELF.A plan was hatched, and some magic happened that day.
(DIR) Post #A5rVodKIRrKxDRHGMa by StevenDouglas@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T07:21:00Z
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I was cutting vegetables for a platter when defensive, negative, "F-YOU EVERYBODY" Savannah came into the dining room. She knew I was one of the wolves so she looked at me defiantly but steered clear, stayed in corner, shaking and trying to catch her breath. "I'm not sure how I want to do this, Savannah."Confused, "Do what?""I have to arrange these vegetables, but I need it to look good. Can you look at it for me and tell me what you think? I don't want it to be ugly."
(DIR) Post #A5rW9s7kcsq9BuXL9c by StevenDouglas@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T07:24:51Z
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"SURE!" Savannah mopped her face fast with her hands and sleeves and came over to the table, wide-eyed."Cucumbers. Next to the carrots, or should I put them on the other side?""I don't know." "Well, can I just do the cutting and you handle the layout? You're a girl so I'm sure it will look good no matter how you do it? Can you just do that job for me?""YESSS! Okay, Uncle Steve!" I cut slowly, handed each piece to her one at a time. "GOOD LOCATION - GREAT LAYOUT DECISION!"
(DIR) Post #A5rWxijVod4MXpy80m by StevenDouglas@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T07:33:51Z
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Savannah was in her Oasis now, I was atoning, and nobody was going to mess with her. That's when Arch Enemy Selfish 4 year-old Megan came into the dining room. "What're you guys doing?"I was going to give Megan the bum's rush when Savannah answered, "We're designing a vegetable platter."Megan lit up, "CAN I HELP?"Oh... Sweet justice. Savannah, tell this little imp to kiss your ass and I will back you up until doomsday. "SURE! You can do the other side!"Gulp.Mind: blown.
(DIR) Post #A5rXYvJjzSEYHyecdM by StevenDouglas@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T07:40:35Z
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EPILOGUEThe bond established with both nieces was firmly cemented that unforgettable day, but especially with Savannah. What proved a great experience for her was a HUMBLING, GROWING experience for me. And that's all I have to say about that.END
(DIR) Post #A5rYdCfRWc5bDBPTQu by StevenDouglas@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T07:52:33Z
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One more thing. My sister said to me, about a month later, laughing her ass off. "Savannah's a room-cleaning freak because of you, dork.""ROOM-cleaning freak?""Yes. You said she was a great designer with a good eye for how things should be arranged. She's SCARED that one day you're going to come over and see her ROOM! The thought of it being messy IF UNCLE STEVE comes over is more than she can handle!"
(DIR) Post #A5ratYlhK1fWIXGLK4 by Dancemom@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T08:17:55Z
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@StevenDouglas The poor thing was 4! I love that age. Good job!
(DIR) Post #A5rcl6mRhEzT5Qi66K by StevenDouglas@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T08:38:48Z
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A few years ago: Savannah left, Megan right, tighter than tight.
(DIR) Post #A5rdXhYSH14T2YKy6S by StevenDouglas@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T08:47:35Z
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A few years ago: Savannah left, Megan right, tighter than tight.Also, a good pic on a good day of chubby little snot-face with another cousin.
(DIR) Post #A5rpDipD2XjOdcPgsC by HowFromCT@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T10:58:26Z
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@StevenDouglas Terrific story. Family is everything
(DIR) Post #A5rsQ2fROLz9W2PVlA by Merilalla@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T11:34:17Z
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@StevenDouglas what a great story Steven! Kids have incredible psyches, so difficult for us adults to understand many times, but they are incredibly resilient and when you find that one thing that interstate them or makes them feel like an equal they literally will open up like a beautiful flower right before your eyes! Too much coddling gives you spoiled and whiny. Too much ignoring and you get trouble and whiny...
(DIR) Post #A5ru1PogO38Vyp7O1g by Gmajv@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T11:52:14Z
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@StevenDouglas another great thread Steven!,
(DIR) Post #A5s1lPkleYsMmgATeC by 2020_DJT@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T13:18:59Z
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@StevenDouglas You saved each other that day and what grew from that was monumental. 😘 🤗
(DIR) Post #A5s302VST0agz0XptA by KathrynK@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T13:32:50Z
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@StevenDouglas Great thread, terrific uncle, and incredible storyteller.
(DIR) Post #A5s3C9s6uNwRIjv1xg by Dawnz@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T13:35:01Z
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@StevenDouglas Both such beautiful young women .. A wonderful story. I love how you listened to and trusted your "inner voice" It became a life changing moment for you all ☺️ ❤️
(DIR) Post #A5s5eYVT6tGDimzs1I by Dawnz@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T14:02:34Z
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@StevenDouglas 💞
(DIR) Post #A5s6arpJR86URB5GL2 by kwinther78@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T14:13:06Z
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@StevenDouglas Great story about happiness. Reminds me of the Rolling Stones, " You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometime, you get what you need." The fact that she could share what she needed immediately is so pure.❤️
(DIR) Post #A5s7xOHrWuSPR8k3Ki by Give_Me_Liberty@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T14:28:23Z
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@StevenDouglaa You gave her just what she needed at that moment, and at that time in her life. You noticed her, you gave her something to feel good about, showed her something she could control, when everything else seemed beyond her control.Way to go Uncle Steve!
(DIR) Post #A5s8oYZY1J1sgSMiUy by StevenDouglas@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T14:37:59Z
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@kwinther78 I did little justice to how this all played out. Savannah's complete absence of malice (to this day) was an intensely humbling experience for me.
(DIR) Post #A5s9XflI8XLs0qN5cm by kwinther78@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T14:46:08Z
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@StevenDouglas I think in the "psychology" field it's called redirection. I can get over many "perceived" injustices against me but it usually takes me a lot longer than a few minutes...(if truly ever completely!)
(DIR) Post #A5sE51wn4XTABzuaNk by BadaBing753@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T15:36:59Z
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@StevenDouglas Great story,love your threads
(DIR) Post #A5sLpF67D8WXygFvwe by Cdubois@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T17:03:46Z
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@StevenDouglas What a great story. You mirror what I tend to do with littles when they're "out of sorts." They typically just need help recalibrating.Very well done, Uncle Steve.
(DIR) Post #A5sssJiLndF3eVDKOO by Milllathefiend@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-03T23:14:06Z
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@StevenDouglas Diversion is such a great tactic when you want to redirect difficult behavior. It is not always easy especially when adult patience has worn dangerously thin. When we choose to rise above anger some really good experiences can occur for both children and adults. Thank you for sharing your experience with your niece. ❤️
(DIR) Post #A69wuGOmngCLS6Z6em by Moltenwhite@social.quodverum.com
2021-04-12T04:49:31Z
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@StevenDouglas Our teachers are everywhere.