Movies in My Mind

I gathered every available chair in the house
The dinning room chairs used for family meals
The high chair, property of my baby brother
The carraige (mine - for my babies)
And I sat.
I sat in front of the dishwasher
Just waiting for the show to begin
My mother swarmed around me
Cooking
Cleaning
Crafting her projects
In my mind, I was crafting my own project
The movie that was about to "play" on the screen before me
Was but a figment of my young and vivid imagination.
Yet, to me, it was everything.
It was an escape. It was freedom.
It was so real.
The noise of my brothers quieted.
And a world was created where none existed.
A world all my own.
How I cherished these "movie" times.
Where have they gone?
Oh, where have all the stories,
all the imaginary "real" stories, gone?

Applause

This morning on my drive to school the wind was blowing just enough to ruffle the leaves on the already changing trees. My first thought was that it looked like hands applauding - cheering the morning commuters on their way to schools and works. As I was driving, I passed a boy walking just under the applauding tree. He looked rather forlorn and an Eyore-type cloud seemed to hang over his head; he didn't notice the cheering trees. I wonder how much better all of our days would be, though, if we did pay attention to the beautiful nature surrounding us, encouraging us, cheering us on even during our roughest moments. We could all use a little more of that, I think. A little sunshine and a little applause to start our days. I'm thankful for that moment today - it's just what I needed!

Chiseled By the Hands of Experience

Yes, this is why girls love and need their mothers so much! Because they really hear us when no one else does...not really. And after all we put them through, they love us and listen to us anyway. They understand; they're there. Always.

Over the past few days my children have truly demonstrated the old adage that we're repaid for all the torture we bestoy on our parents - especially our mothers! Yesterday, Brock came home without the project we've spent the week working on (that's due today, by the way!). Then, he began complaining about football practice and guitar practice, both of which take precious time away from playing with the boys down the block. I reminded him that he chose to do those things and that I didn't want to hear it; of course, I was heard just as much as I'm sure I heard my own mother as a similarly irresponsible child.

And, of course - since I was already so annoyed, Jackson would wake up this morning completely unhappy and un-consolable with the clothes, shoes, and socks I'd laid out for him to wear. So, I did what moms do - I gave the speech to both of them about being more appreciative. More responsible for themselves. I was boiling over with stress and frustration.

So, who did I call? My mother. Thank God for mothers! I kept venting as I walked into school and then, just as poetic justice would work, I realized (upon reaching my classroom) that I'd left my badge at home and my computer in my truck. So much for my responsibility talk!

Forged by Fire

Oh, the battles we've faced and the goals we have accomplished! From college kids ignorantly blissful about our new family to successful adults who were able to succeed when no one thought we could. Fulfilling our own life's purpose; our own life's dream; making our way to our own pyramids. How can I not think of The Alchemist when I think about how we've had our own paths to take in this journey of life? It's hard to believe that we have come so far and to a place where we are really where we want to be.

Congratulations to you! And, congratulations to me!

I watched you wake up this morning and dress in your slacks, shirt, and tie. Then, I watched as you pulled your white coat over your shoulders. The same white coat I saw on the back of the couch before we went to sleep last night with a stethoscope lying on top of it. This is a man living his dreams, I thought. Even through it all - you're able to fulfill your dreams. I'm so proud of you and you should be proud, too.

Then, I drove into my parking spot at school after dropping off the children. I walked into AHS and felt at home in my profession: the room I've decorated with my books and my literary world; the kids whom I love. I'm so glad to be where I am - where I'm meant to be. How blessed and fortunate are we to live the lives we planned after all the trials and all the work; to have made it to these pyramids of our dreams. The blood, sweat, and tears that have lead us here.