I was sitting here thinking about how much I love my kids. I had just finished a conversation about the safety of children a few minutes before picking them up for school. The news has the world all buzzing about children and coaches and who is guilty and innocent, etc. My bottom line is that children need to be protected always. No matter what. We headed over to the cool little popcorn shop for a new batch of flavors to snack on while doing homework. I work with one child while the other practices one of two instruments. Then they switch. It gives me the chance to have one on one time with them. I learn things. I know where they need help. In the back of my mind all of the time I worry. I worry about their safety. I worry about things that I hear on the news...which is why I avoid the news as much as possible. I use the term "not on my watch" often to describe the efforts constantly given to protect them. I know their friends and their parents and try to stay connected whenever possible.
You know a relationship is a good one when your nine year old shares things with you. Today she shared a letter from a friend. I will now share it with you....
"Emily I wanted to let you know what I love to do so I made you this list:
1. I like fashion
2. I like to run around and scream goog! (My word)
3. I love to write
4. I like to play the flute
5. I like cheese!
6. I like writing on wipe boards!
7. I want to be a fish!
8. I think reading class is boring
9. I love to dance
10. I love to sing
11. I love to read
12. I like the fantastic feeling you get in your stomach when you go on rollercoasters
13. I like playing with ribbons
14. I like playing Mario Kart on Wii
15. I don't like scissors
16. I love pajamas
17. I like playing house and capture the flag
18. I like beards
19. I want to learn to write my p's like this...(drew a p)
20. I secretly think that I'll be famous someday and I come up with pretend interviews in my head all
day in school. "
She went on to ask my daughter to make a list for her. I am interested in what she will come up with. I adore this girl and her family and am thrilled that they are bffs.
At the end of the letter I realized that THIS is exactly why we are to protect our children. All of them. Every child has a list like this. They grow up with dreams and passions and excitement. They deserve to be safe as they pursue them. I do think this girl will be famous someday....she is pretty darn special. But whether or not she is...these dreams are still hers.
These daily tasks of finding something new are to push me. They are to remind me of what is right there in front of me. Inspire me to do more....be more...get more. They also give my brain, spirit and heart the kind of exercise they need to grow and be better than the day before. Today I ask you to do something....make a list of the things you liked as a nine year old. How many of them did you accomplish? How many were compromised? How many can you try now because it is never too late? And please remember that the children of abuse...of any kind...might never get the chance to live out their list with the love of life that they deserve. They will be plagued by the burdens of abuse....every minute of every day of their lives. My heart goes out to them and to any of you reading these words.
No matter what your childhood...today is the day to make a new list.
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