8 year old

This morning as our 8 year old son was doing his best to delay the oncoming morning by snuggling deep in the covers, he sat up and said, "Daddy, why do you go to work?" He does those kinds of things. He is not one for beating around the bush- he says what's on his mind. Like the time he said, "You smell revolting!" to one of our best friends who tends to wear a bit too much cologne. Well....our friend did smell a bit heavy, but his keen olfactory senses and limited vocabulary came out with "revolting." He has been an absolute joy in our lives. He has lifted up in times of trial and, through his innocence, made us realize who we can become. I love the way he likes to eat "cakeses" and watch shows and ride on the "far swing." He is a strength to us far beyond his years or experiences.

Cartharsis

I taught creative writing for years and years, and always encouraged students to continue to write and to journal. It's amazing how we don't take our own advice sometimes. It's also amazing, as I told my students so many times, the power of putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and just getting it out. There's something about the process that allows you to peel the layers from that onion in order to see and say what is innermost in your heart. I already feel so much better. Thank you to my friends who have led me here. Your blogs have touched me deeply, and I hope mine may reciprocate somehow.