As a parent how do you explain to your son or daughter that kids his/her age are just idiots.  That he/she is an amazingly awesome kid?

How do I tell him that in the grand scheme of things, this is just a small portion of time, and this too shall pass.  While his classmates are idiots (and they are); that he need to remain true to himself, and his goals.  He need to keep trying to do his best, because it matters.

How do I tell him he can make it, that he can be whatever he wants.  That if he can just hang on… 6th grade is just a year of changes, and it is hard.  But there will come a time, when you can look back at this time and smile, because you will see how amazing you are.

Pan you are an amazing young man.  your have accomplished so much, you have figured out what it is going to take to survive your school  year, and this is NOT how it should be.  You should NOT have to figure out how to maintain, to to co-exist with your classmates, you should be laughing and enjoying.  Keep climbing buddy, you are so close to the top, and when this is over, when this hell that is middle school is over, it will get better.

We, your parents – we promise to be your spotters, will be there if you need someone to bounce ideas, we will be there to keep encouraging you.  We believe in you, and all you can do.  We’ve got your back.

Just hang in there, I know that you make it.  There is so much more to life, then 6th grade…stick tight to your friends, you’ve picked good ones.  Continue to make your good choices, and continue to laugh, never lose your laugh or your smile.  It gets better, really it does.

Love you.

Campfires

The tree that will never bear fruit.
It was deemed un-worthy by the experts to be planted in an orchard.
It is growing wonderfully in our backyard.
Apple was so very, very sweet!

A round of mini-golf with the kids,
the laughter, the smiles.

The girl amazes me everyday.

The boy – he is awesomesauce.

I haven’t forgotten.

I will never forget.
The fear, the worry.
The waiting.
Waiting for phone calls, the relief.
The sadness.  The grief.

In remembrance of those who ran in, and didn’t come back out.
In remembrance of those who were at their desks or at their station, doing their job.
In remembrance of those who were simply, in the wrong place at the wrong time.
In remembrance of those who were on the planes, just trying to get home, or go on a business trip.
In remembrance of those who were above the impact and knew they never had a chance of getting out.
In honor of those who waited for the injured to come, and then didn’t know what to do when they didn’t.
In honor of those who donated blood.
In honor of those who prayed.
In honor of those who went to ground zero on a rescue mission, and then continued on the recovery.
In honor of those families who are continually in our thoughts.
In honor of the sons and daughters who are missing their daddy’s and momma’s.

I remember.

May my children live to see the day when we are not at war.
May my children live to see the day when all people are treated with respect.
May my children live to see peace.