A Mommy Story

Dear Karma,

Got a minute? I think we need to have a talk. I’ve been hesitant to confront you about this because, well, you have a lot of power over my little life. But I honestly need some answers.

The check engine lights appearing on both cars at the same time was harsh, especially since you know we’re strapped for cash at the moment. Having the air conditioning go out on my car was expected, but I didn’t see that you were going to make sure it was a leak and therefore lose the A/C again after I paid to have it fixed. That sucked.

Staying on the topic of cars, it also was a little underhanded of you to give Aaron a flat tire a month ago, and then another flat tonight while we were out of town with family. You knew we used the spare on the first flat and didn’t have the time or money to get new tires. So tonight we had to leave the car with the air conditioning 45 minutes away from home, and take the one with no air conditioning home in 90 degree heat with a cranky toddler, only to return there in the morning to have the car towed and get new tires.

We’re also a little tired of being jerked around about the possibility of Aaron’s new job. He’s jumped through hoop after hoop, like you wanted. Isn’t it time for a little payout now? We’re hoping to hear he got the job this coming week, so please don’t disappoint.

Springing a few unexpected bills on us hasn’t been deserved, either. And after I was so proud of myself for completing my first knitting project, you had to make it personal by having the knit bag felt too much in the washer and now be the size of a child’s purse.

You see, Karma baby, I know what people say about you. They say you’re a bitch, they say you’re cruel. I’ve always stood up for you, though. I believed in your justice, cautioned others to not tempt you, and reminded everyone that the karma bus travels in circles.

Apparently your current bus route is very long and winding, because we’re waiting patiently at the stop, avoiding the street so we won’t be hit. Your new driver seems to be driving on the sidewalk, though, and we’re a bit put off by that.

I know you have a lot of universal energy to work with, and sometimes the flow isn’t balanced or fair. But come on, we’ve been enduring all you have thrown at us for some time now. Don’t get me wrong, I am aware things could be so, so, so much worse. There are people in far worse conditions than us, and I am thankful we have what we have. However, it’s becoming evident we’re on your bad side at the moment – some might even say, unlucky.

We’re generally good people. I am a strong believer that doing good will bring good back to you. I care for stray kittens, I donate to charities, I hold doors for others, I say please and thank you. Even though I wasn’t so good about it in the past, I make every effort to be upbeat and friendly to everyone I meet. Oh sure, I occasionally flip off someone in traffic, or make a snarky comment to someone, but I swear they deserved it. I was just helping you out, really.

So please, Karma, isn’t it about time for an upswing for us? Or could you at least give us some clue as to what we did to piss you off? What kind of reparations need to be made to put us on good terms again?

Dude, I’m turning 30 in just a few days. Let’s not let the next decade start on a bad note, shall we? Thanks.

Sincerely,
Christina & fam.