Advice as you go off to college

Eat well

mac and cheese and hot dogs

easy, quick, and not too bad.

Put the soap in the washer

before you put your clothes in

caked soap all over your clothes 

a bother

Radar

Do not be afraid

to tell someone

to keep their  G----D----   hands to themselves 

there are some weirdoes in college 

Men,

who it seem at first glance 

to be acting parental,

but then that hug is a pat on the butt

or a reach around to somewhere else 

practice yelling in the basement

so that when you need the words

they can storm angrily from your mouth. 

Always

keep your goals in mind

finish college

and don’t let anything get in the way

boys, alcohol, babies.   

for someone to love you,

and you meet people in college who think they love you, 

they will want you to grow,

reach your potential,

have a wonderful life.  

Do not let “that rushing instant” interfere 

Because, if it is true

that the person really loves you,

that moment will be there tomorrow

and the next day

and the next. 

You are headed for an amazing adventure

Present moment

Always the most wonderful moment you have

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