Dear Drama,

I went to bed thinking about you last night and woke up with you still on my mind. My coffee doesn't taste good because you make my stomach sick and my body feels achy from all the agony you bring and my eyes burn from the tears you cause. Why, oh why must you camp out in my backyard?

I mean, I knew you well enough when I was in junior high. You even hung around for most of my high school years (I think you must have hooked up with my old boyfriend or something). Other than that, you pretty much took the hint and left me alone. It was a good run.

Oh, I knew to expect you when my own kids got older. I think you must lurk around every freshman locker and sit at every seventh grade girls' table in the cafeteria. That's part of teaching them to grow up and conquer you and telling you to hit the road.

But seriously. Why are you here? For the last few weeks you've been constantly at my front door. I try to keep you out. I have no problem in not answering the door. I can ignore you until Jesus comes back. The trouble (and your lucky break) is that my husband is too nice. He just hates to see people fight.

He'll get tired of you, though. One day he is going to wake up and decide that you are simply not worth it. There is no amount of Pepto in the world that can sooth the woes you bring. The only thing you understand is a good swift kick in the pants. You'll get yours.

Until then, I will be patient. I'll smile and hold my tongue and speak words of encouragement and chew antacids as needed. The last thing I need is for you to invite your friends over. One of us would definitely have to go then and a word to the wise, it won't be me.

You see, my kids are about to come home. They'll have just a short month before school starts and homework begins and their own battles kick off. I'll not have you burdening them with your adult version of idiot people. They get enough of that in our public school system.

Ahhhh. I feel better already. Maybe not coffee ready, but definitely ready to face what you're gonna dish out today. We're here for a reason. Sooner or later, it'll all come out. Bear with me and wait a little longer, and I will show you, for I have something still to say on God's behalf  (Job 36:2).

And one more thing, don't let the back door hit you on the way out. Or on second thought, please do. Be sure to exit by that dog of ours with the big teeth and sharp nails. She loves to tear up stuff. I have just volunteered you. I think even my husband would agree with me on this one. You won't be around for a holiday dinner.

With no love or best wishes,
Angela