Savannah’s Perspective on Nerve Problems

Here’s an oldie but goodie from our official porch mascot, little Ms. Savannah Grace, who happens to be all grown up these days. This story hearkens a few years back to Savannah’s elementary school years.

Julia had picked Savannah Grace and her brother up from school that afternoon. She’d had a difficult day at the office and she was hoping they could go straight home. Wrong— both kids needed school supplies for a science project. Back uptown they went. It was worse than Julia imagined. Savannah was in a cross mood. She couldn’t get satisfied with any of her supplies and she was so irritable with her brother that he couldn’t look at her without it starting a fight. Finally, on the way home, Julia got enough. She trained the rear-view mirror on the offenders in the backseat and read ‘em the riot act.

“Okay, you two,” Julia said. “I’ve heard enough. If y’all can’t get along I’m gonna make y’all hold hands at the table while I cook supper.”

“Gross,” Savannah said, aloud.

“And especially you, Ms. Savannah,” Julia warned. “You’ve been rude to your brother all afternoon. I don’t like the attitude you came home with and I suggest you change it. I’ve had a long day at the office and my nerves are fried.”

“Yes, ma’am,” the kids said together. Everyone rode in silence for a few moments and then Savannah’s voice piped up again.

“Mama…”
‘What, Savannah?”

“Never mind…you’ll get mad if I ask you.”
“No, I won’t, Savannah, what is it?”

“Are you sure you won’t get mad?” Savannah asked.
“Yes, Savannah. Come out with it.”

“Well,” Savannah began. “I was just wondering..”
“Yes…”
“Are you sure you won’t get mad?”

“I’m sure, Savannah. If you have a question, just ask it.”
“All right then,” Savannah said. “I was just wondering, what’s the difference between my bad attitude and your worn out nerves?”

Hugs, Shellie