He had vacant eyes. When any emotion crossed them it was in flickers of fear, rage, and shame. He didn't smile for a full four months. He never let anyone touch him and had no concept of the power of a simple, pure hug. His fits of rage came in bursts like a camera clicking on … [Read more...] about The Little Boy Who Touched My Heart
reading
Books Were My World, and Still Are
When I was a kid I spent most of my time doing things alone. There weren't many kids around who were my age. My parents both worked. "Playdate" had not made its way into any parent's vernacular. I hand sewed dresses for my dolls with fabric scraps. I painstakingly made paper … [Read more...] about Books Were My World, and Still Are
Chillin’ – Wordless Wednesday
Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ Birthday – Wordless Wednesday
The Wisdom of Dr. Seuss
I realize that citing the readings of Dr. Seuss might seem juvenile, but one book in particular speaks to me. It's a little known book that Dr. Seuss had batted around in sketches and notes, but sadly had never published before he died. Upon his death in 1991, his editor asked … [Read more...] about The Wisdom of Dr. Seuss
Three Lessons I Want to Teach My Sons
There are three things I hope to instill in my sons - a love of reading, an appreciation for food, and a show of manners. I believe I grew up with those same values through a combination of cultural osmosis, nature, and happenstance. I'm hoping to more actively demonstrate the … [Read more...] about Three Lessons I Want to Teach My Sons
National Make a Difference Day Helps Early Literacy
Did you know that National Make a Difference Day is fast approaching? This year marks the 20th anniversary of Make a Difference Day. October 23 is a day set aside for us all to do one little thing that could make a ginormous difference. It's easy to get trapped in our lives that … [Read more...] about National Make a Difference Day Helps Early Literacy