Each day I walk around in white skin enjoying the safety and privilege that entails. I did nothing to earn this, but I have benefited from it from the moment I was born. Those I love the deepest, my husband and daughters, are the most beautiful of black. One day my grandchildren willContinue reading “My White Skin”
Tag Archives: parenting
To TV or Not to TV?
I grew up before the internet, video games, cable TV and smart phones had been invented. My childhood electronics included a radio, alarm clock, record player, and television. I learned about the world from news my parents watched or from folded newspapers tossed on our porch in the sleepy hours of the morning. I wouldContinue reading “To TV or Not to TV?”
Building Bravery
Sam had both arms wrapped tightly around his mother as she opened the door on his first day of preschool. He took a quick peek at the classroom before seeking refuge behind her again. Sam knew his mom was going to leave. She’d been telling him for weeks how much fun he would have atContinue reading “Building Bravery”
My Lap
Tonight my daughter crawled into my lap. I could tell something was bothering her, but I’d learned that prying often led to her withdrawing like a turtle deep into a protective shell where I could not reach her. But tonight when the house was silent and dark she crawled into my lap. She is nineteenContinue reading “My Lap”
Outsmarting a Preschooler
One might think it would be easy to stay one step ahead of preschoolers. But don’t let their age fool you. It can take a lot of work to not be outsmarted by this wily and creative bunch. One morning Silas was having a difficult time keeping his body in his own space during circleContinue reading “Outsmarting a Preschooler”
Waiting for the Grown Ups
I rarely question the value of teaching. It’s something I have devoted my life to. Teaching hasn’t made me rich, because our society values money over kindness and power over people. I know this. I had merely forgotten. I guess I should be thankful I have been reminded. If you are happy with this pastContinue reading “Waiting for the Grown Ups”
These Hands
These hands with veins like aged snakes and wrinkles gray are getting old But once these hands were small and smooth and held a father’s hand. These hands have blocked the blows of man and faith that tried to confine. But the vastness in these hands cannot be caged. These hands have let go untilContinue reading “These Hands”
My Proper Raincoat
My raincoat makes a swishing sound when sliding it over my arms and onto my shoulders. Each time I put it on some part of me whispers, “Thank you.” I have lived in rainy Washington over thirty years and this is my first proper raincoat. I’ve had second hand, make-do coats faded in color. I’veContinue reading “My Proper Raincoat”
A is for Acceptance
Stephan flung open the door in his usual grand entrance style. The huge grin on his face couldn’t have been any wider. Each day he came ready to rock his preschool day. It wasn’t until I looked down at his feet that I noticed something different. On one foot Stephan was wearing an almost kneeContinue reading “A is for Acceptance”