Sister love. 

In gratitude to Tom O'Brien

Dear Tom,

     Thank you for being my teacher.  Actually, I think of you as one of my mothers.  You nourished me, daily feedings that helped me discover how a mind learns and grows. You introduced me to Piaget and helped me weave a beautiful tapestry of understanding and knowledge about thinking and learning.

     A box of graham crackers was a math lesson and so was a game of find the diamond.  I loved later being able to work with you.  Together we inspired kids to use their logical intelligence.  Under your leadership, I was able to get kids involved in mathematical arguments.  You taught me about co-teaching and how to share what I was learning.

    Thank you for believing in me, providing support that helped me build confidence, get published, and have the knowledge I needed to convincely share a perspective that would create a better learning environment for kids.

     And thank you for asking me to speak at your memorial service.  It was hard to keep from crying.  You are forever in my heart and in my highest esteem.  I hope that your hands are still helping others learn through my hands.

Yours,

Chris 

August 28

On a hot summer night

turn on the house fan

sleep naked

sleep alone

windows open wide

that way

you can

smell the water in the air

hear the cicadas chirping in the night

the rhythm of their songs

and fall asleep with a

smile.

today
Lily grabbed the shopping cart
holding onto the
side
as she has done
for so many years
having been taught
at the age of two
now eighteen
still safe on the
parking lot
so
much
love

a poem about today

when I got to come

to my home and

eat a dinner of

fried eggplant, onion, and feta

on a sandwich

sitting on the front porch,

plate on top of old bird poop

mostly washed off by rain

hearing the sound

of a pileated woodpecker

rhythmically beating,

then

baking exactly six

chocolate chip cookies

while enjoying fresh coffee

from my new french press,

alone

but not alone

knowing

there is

always enough love

The Beach

Another road trip
back to Longboat Key
the girls and me
finding common ground again

The good news is..

Calm waters reflecting the beauty all around

Friends who are willing to save other friends from squishy bugs

Bra hikes when the temperature reaches 90 degrees

Shopping adventures at Dickey Bub

Delicious food prepared by loving hands

Sleeping with amazing women

Wonderful friends who so freely give of themselves

Sharing our lives

Never too old for a slumber party

 

Remembering and still building

I started this blog because I wanted to have a way to stay connected to my daughters.  We went on vacation together and made entries as part of that trip.  When we came home I let this blog sit and now it might be time to use it again.  I am still trying to build bridges, but it gets harder. 

I remember being a teenager and the point at which I started pushing my own mother away.  I somehow lost respect for who she was.  As I look back I think I never really knew who she was, what her dreams were, or what she felt or thought.  What mattered most to her was her family.  I know that for sure.  She spent her entire adult life taking care of those she loved.  She was very practical. 

Now I am entering that space that she took up.  I am the mother that my daughters are pushing away.  I wish I could tell her how hard I know that must have been to be the parent when I was doing that.  And I wish I could ask her for advice on how to make it through this stage.  She did it so well.  This week was the anniversary of her passing.  I am remembering her as my mom and wondering who she was as a person when she was not my mom.  And I am determined to let my daughters know who I am.