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by Anthony Romanelli

"Got a few kids of my own
And some days I still dont know
What to do..."

--John Mellencamp, "Cherry Bomb"

As I listened to those lyrics from John Mellencamp, I couldn't help but feel the exact same way... Though I only have two kids, there are some days I don't know what to do.

Should I... play with my kids, grade papers, clean the garage, have a beer, watch the Cubs game, write my blog, prepare lesson plans, clean the dishes, take a deep breath, listen to my iPod, EXERCISE, check my email, write more short stories (which may never get published), help my wife with laundry, have a beer, figure out ways to save money, type a long list like this, avoid the dentist, read more, read more, read more, shop (oops, sorry, I'm a guy, I don't really shop), find another good cause to donate to, teach my little girls how to dance (they're 2 ½ and 7 months) so that may be a bit premature, figure out when I can retire, or listen to other ‘moving' lyrics?

What would YOU do?

Knowing the gigantic responsibility of parental ‘bliss,' I find the balance and struggle of fatherhood, at times, monumentally difficult. At times I am at such peace watching my little girls sleep, while at other times I can barely stand the screaming from both tiny she-devils that sit beneath their innocent little fingers and toes.

While I know I should ‘breathe,' or walk away when my daughters are ‘testing' me, it is so hard because I am not wired to let things dissipate. This is the single greatest, lifetime challenge which I have purposely involved myself in. While taking that ‘deep breath' and deciding how to keep my sanity, I try and find lyrics that keep me calm...I tend to find Bob Marley almost religiously---the lone song that pops in my head, "Three Little Birds" because he says, "Every little thing is gonna be alright." I try to sing that in my head as opposed to ride that anger wave until my head explodes.

Also, there is no way in the world I would trade being a father---it might be the one thing I am best at---or at least provide the illusion I am best at. Should I change their diapers, hold them while they sleep, teach them to fly a kite, ride a bike, eat the frosting BEFORE the cake, eat the cookie batter, laugh at good jokes, laugh at bad jokes, respect their elders, plant a tree, hold their daddy's hand, make mommy a card, make pictures from clouds, be confident and not cocky, take pride in who they are, help others, teach them how to play an instrument, teach them to ice skate, and most importantly...teach them how to throw a good curve ball...

"And some days I still don't know what to do..."

What would YOU do?