One of them is that he understands the delicate balance between family life and professional life.
Since I had to stay at the lab and help Dr. Baldwin fix the mess he'd made of his most recent experiment, I was quite late getting home Sunday evening. The rest of the family was at dinner, and the twins were already in their PJs, for goodness' sakes!
But Joel was very understanding. He listened attentively as I described Dr. Baldwin's mishap. Although Joel works as a sports writer now, he was a biology major in college, so he has a decent grasp of basic scientific principals and can follow me when I describe my work. Well, as long as I don't get too technical.
Tonight, though, I found myself biting my tongue. It wasn't work that had me upset, it was the mere presence of Benjamin Baldwin. I don't at all mind discussing my feelings about Dr. Baldwin with Joel or my mother-in-law, but I didn't want to get into too many details in front of the boys . . .
. . . and especially in front of my dear, sweet Nigel, who was bullied so cruelly by that little Sophia Baldwin that Joel and I ended up taking the boys out of public school to get him away from her.
Sophia, ha! Butter wouldn't melt in her mouth when she talks to adults, but I believed the boys when they told me how harsh she was to them on the school bus and at the playground. Last year was a misery for both boys, but I think it was worse for Nigel. He's so sensitive.
Sophia was in the third grade last year, and my boys were first graders. I know that kids will be kids, but Neville and Nigel were just babies, really. I was glad that we were able to enroll them in the Jarman Academy for their second grade year. It really is a wonderful school! The boys are learning the cello, studying Latin, and next term, they will have the opportunity to join a club or sports team of their choice. I know that they are getting an outstanding education, and Joel and I don't have to worry about subjecting them to the tender mercies of hoodlums like that Baldwin girl.
I suppose it's wrong of me to hold a grudge against Dr. Baldwin because of this, but I can't help myself. One should never disturb a mother bear's cubs!
