Although I’d written about our many embarrassments as a family, I still usually manage to maintain my enthusiasm. The old saw about throwing one’s heart over the bar and the body will follow is an apt description.

There’s a soccer coach in our rec league that I admire. Loud and emotional, I’ve seen him throw himself to the ground during soccer games when he’s expressing his dismay over a bad play, leaping high on the amazing ones. Other coaches barely raise their voices, leaving my own kids lost and hungry for leadership as they are used to my pugnacious, over-the-top style of parenting.

No one wonders how I feel, or what mood I might be in. I wear my heart on my sleeve, my feelings are evident at all times, and usually my enthusiasm prevails. Good thing too as it has served me well through the years of challenges that we’ve faced.

I have two daughters now seeing a specialized therapist who deals with female aggression issues. Their aggression makes them formidable opponents on the soccer field; they never back down, scaring any male or female around them. I can deal with the aggression if it is properly channeled, but the meanness gets on my last nerve as I’ve watched them both being rude and hateful to others.

The younger one, 10 years old, was recently described by a social worker as reminding her of a feral cat. I so agree. The 13 year old is just as mean as a snake. Reluctant to trust, this I understand, but the lashing out at others has got to go.

Today, during our marathon soccer schedule, I noticed two different examples of physically handicapped adults. It brought to my mind the realization that I, and these two mean girls, should be more openly grateful for our own able-bodies abilities; we should count our blessings more. This is something I try to teach my children. Therapists we need for the deeper issues, but these simple approaches to a happier life are more tangible for us, a more accessible reality.

Counting the four kids under age 18 in out-of-home placements, our list of therapists is long and impressive. These are the people I am most grateful to have in our lives, as they fulfill one of our greatest needs as a family comprised of such incongruent backgrounds. I do know how to count my blessings and maintain an attitude of gratitude.