A Mother's Letter to the World.....

In less than an hour, I load the kids in the car and go to Open House at my boys' new school. This school is new to us this year, and to our county. It's a brand new shiny technology and science school. But a much bigger change for both of my boys. For one, it is a change from a small, intimiate Christian school, to a huge public elementary school. For the other, wow...I don't know if I can accuratley contrast a school in Ethiopia to an American school.

Others have already started school...some with homeschooling, other public and private counties that have earlier start dates than we do. For some, it is a time of excitement, joy, and possibly a little peace and quite during the day. For others, it is a time of great sadness to see their child(ren) grow up and go to Kindergarten for the first time.

I thought this day would never come.............

The longest summer of my life........

There were days I counted how many days til school started.

The past week, or so, my heart has changed. I'm not sure if it is because we've started to settle into "normal." Normal, you say, what's normal? Well, honestly, I'm not sure what normal is. How can anyone call my family "normal?" But I digress......

Today, this moment, my feelings are mixed. One of my boys just had a "moment," so this very moment, the first day of school can't come quick enough. Yet, I know, this moment will pass, and I'll be filled with nostalgia and sorrow......sorrow of what I never had with them; one of the drawbacks of older children adoption.

So today, with very mixed emotions, I'd like to share with you a poem I've had tucked in the back of my bible. It's author is unknown, and it is called:

"A Mother's Letter to the World"

Dear World:

My son starts school today. It's going to be strange and new to him for a while. And I wish you would sort of treat him gently.

You see, up to now, he's been king of the roost. He's been boss of the back yard. I have always been around to repair his wounds, and to soothe his feelings.

But now --- things are going to be different.

This morning, he's going to walk down the front steps, wave his hand and start on his great adventure that will probably include wars and tragedy and sorrow.

To live his life in the world he has to live in will require faith and love and courage.

So, World, I wish you would sort of take him by his young hand and teach him the things he will have to know. Teach him -- but gently, if you can. Teach him that for every scroundrel there is a hero; that for every crooked politician there is a dedicated leader; that for every enemy there is a friend. Teach him the wonders of books.

Give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun, and flowers on the green hill. Teach him it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat.

Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone else tells him they are wrong. Teach him to sell his brawn and brains to the highest bidder, but never to put a price on his heart and his soul.

Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob....and to stand and fight if he thinks he's right.

Teach him gently, World, but don't coddle him, because only the test of fire makes fine steel.

This is a big order, World, but see what you can do. He's such a nice little fellow.