Today, I read my daughter a book about Martin Luther King, Jr. It was geared towards older kids, and I didn't think she'd get much about who he was and what he did for others. But I thought it was very important to talk to her about it anyway. Remember over there... right under her picture, where I noted that she was an "old soul" and made statements and questions that would keep you up at night? Well, here is the conversation we had after the book this afternoon:
Kate: Where is Martin?
Me: He is in Heaven now because he died, remember?
Kate: Why did the bad guy kill Martin?
Me: Well, because he didn't want Martin teaching others to be kind to everyone, no matter what color of skin they have.
Kate: Did he go to Heaven?
Me: Yes, I think so.
Kate: But if he died and went to Heaven, then WHO IS GOING TO BE OUR LEADER now?
Me: (Stunned) You, baby girl. YOU are our leader.
Then I had to explain once again why sometimes when Mommy cries, it is because she is HAPPY, not SAD. My girl...she just gets to the heart of things doesn't she?)
Monday, January 18, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Hearing the call
Watching the news is heartbreaking. I have been conciously staying away from the local, national, and world news. I know that I shouldn't. I know it is burying my head in the sand.
Tens of thousands are dead. Even more are homeless, lost, and entire lives are in shambles. It reminds me of the tsunami not too many years ago. It takes me back to Katrina four and a half years ago. And even further back to 2001 and the day the safe world I thought I lived in (or pretended to live in) ceased existing. The day that I was forced into thinking about realities that I do not want to consider. They are incomprehensible to my brain.
I avoid the news because I cannot fully separate from it. I am immediately pulled into an anxious state where I am the mother of children I cannot find. The mother of children I cannot get to, cannot reach, cannot save. I have no husband to steady me, no house to keep me warm, no way to contact my family to check on their safety. There is a pull I feel inside when these large scale disasters surface. A pull to serve, to help, to leave my safety and security and go towards the center of chaos. I use the excuse of being the mommy to young children not to go, but I know that one day, I will go. It will be my turn to serve in the chaos. To help those I do not know. To connect with those who feel they have no connections left in the world.
Until then, I will do what I can from here. I will try to watch the news, so that I do not lose sight of what is going on in the world. So that I do not keep my head in the sand. I ask that you do the same. Step out of your comfort zone. Do something to help others. Know that others will help you when you need it. Please take the time to donate funds, food, water, supplies, cash, whatever you can. $10 makes a huge difference. Find a way.
Tens of thousands are dead. Even more are homeless, lost, and entire lives are in shambles. It reminds me of the tsunami not too many years ago. It takes me back to Katrina four and a half years ago. And even further back to 2001 and the day the safe world I thought I lived in (or pretended to live in) ceased existing. The day that I was forced into thinking about realities that I do not want to consider. They are incomprehensible to my brain.
I avoid the news because I cannot fully separate from it. I am immediately pulled into an anxious state where I am the mother of children I cannot find. The mother of children I cannot get to, cannot reach, cannot save. I have no husband to steady me, no house to keep me warm, no way to contact my family to check on their safety. There is a pull I feel inside when these large scale disasters surface. A pull to serve, to help, to leave my safety and security and go towards the center of chaos. I use the excuse of being the mommy to young children not to go, but I know that one day, I will go. It will be my turn to serve in the chaos. To help those I do not know. To connect with those who feel they have no connections left in the world.
Until then, I will do what I can from here. I will try to watch the news, so that I do not lose sight of what is going on in the world. So that I do not keep my head in the sand. I ask that you do the same. Step out of your comfort zone. Do something to help others. Know that others will help you when you need it. Please take the time to donate funds, food, water, supplies, cash, whatever you can. $10 makes a huge difference. Find a way.
Monday, January 4, 2010
The only predictable thing is change
The new year brings lots of changes to our house. I am opening a private practice, which has been a long term goal of mine that I kicked into high gear in 2009. I moved into a new office last week and am ecstatic to have found a quaint little spot in my exact desired location. In a couple of days I am conducting a parent training/workshop as a way of getting my name "out there" in the community. I've sent out announcements to local physicians and schools and have had a good response so far. I'm looking forward to getting my first clients this month.
Dan's job has undergone some major changes in the past six months as well. And while his day to day job has not changed much, we are looking forward to seeing what opportunities 2010 brings him and life in the insurance industry. Changes are certainly on the horizon as there are some ownership issues at work and the new health care bill will certainly bring its own changes to the business.
We cannot believe how much the kids have grown! It seems like at least three nights per week I am commenting on how one of them have outgrown ANOTHER pair of jammies. And shoes, shoes, shoes! I wish there was a way to buy them in bulk in a variety of sizes! They are so sweet and have really kind hearts. They miss each other when apart and are attached at the hip when they are together. When they see each other after being apart, they always run to each other with their arms outstretched to give great big hugs. It is the sweetest thing I have ever witnessed. I know that will change in years to come, and they certainly have their fair share of squabbles, but if the amount of love and loyalty the two of them share could be bottled, well, you know the rest....
Here's to you and your family and hoping 2010 is filled with hope, love, kindness, and happiness!
Dan's job has undergone some major changes in the past six months as well. And while his day to day job has not changed much, we are looking forward to seeing what opportunities 2010 brings him and life in the insurance industry. Changes are certainly on the horizon as there are some ownership issues at work and the new health care bill will certainly bring its own changes to the business.
We cannot believe how much the kids have grown! It seems like at least three nights per week I am commenting on how one of them have outgrown ANOTHER pair of jammies. And shoes, shoes, shoes! I wish there was a way to buy them in bulk in a variety of sizes! They are so sweet and have really kind hearts. They miss each other when apart and are attached at the hip when they are together. When they see each other after being apart, they always run to each other with their arms outstretched to give great big hugs. It is the sweetest thing I have ever witnessed. I know that will change in years to come, and they certainly have their fair share of squabbles, but if the amount of love and loyalty the two of them share could be bottled, well, you know the rest....
Here's to you and your family and hoping 2010 is filled with hope, love, kindness, and happiness!
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