modern life

Today was one of those rushing here and there kind of days. It ended with us rushing to LifetimeFitness so that the kids could do some rock climbing practice. LK had to have some special attention today because he wanted an image of Flat Stanley rock climbing as well. Val came along just as were were finishing the first wall. She had brought FS and was now the hero. We walked both kids climb and exercise their bodies and their minds. Now I have loaded the dishwasher and scrubbed some pots and I need a good night's sleep since the dog kept me awake most of last night. Pray for better tonight.

Does she know?

This is an example of the by-product of my work. This darling beautiful child came to our office from her foster home for a visit with her mother. Unfortunately, her mother, never arrived. I took the photographs anyway. Perhaps her mother will come next week, not being aware that the TPR is completed and merely awaits the judge's signature and the paper work to be filed. We get comfort from spending time with the innocent. These children have done nothing wrong, yet lose their families and parents anyway. Maybe this will help me stay focused enough to remember how very important my position is. I hope anyone who reads this will remember how important children are in our lives; in our society; for our collective and individual futures. Her social worker told me that she never smiles. Do you think she might already understand some of the signs written on the path in front of her? I hope not. Each child should have the anticipation of unstoppable growth and unlimited value. Thanks! 

November rain

I am having a bit of trouble preparing myself to go back to my office this morning. It is the Monday after Thanksgiving. I have been away since Tuesday and I know I have 40 voice messages and a plethora of e-mail that will need my immediate attention. I left a couple of tasks unfinished on Tuesday as well. Guess I will just have to bite the bullet and go. After all I am quite accustomed to being swamped at this job. The needs of the families that I work with are endless. Bus cards, UAs, visitation money, encouragement, reproach (guess that is actually my need, not theirs) and you name it. But most important is to contact the SWr at the RTC to find out if the family is visiting with this kid so that we can decide when, how, we close our CP case. Gotta run...more later.

Day One

Each journey, I am told, begins with a single step. Here is my initial step into this blog. I hope to visit often as I really need to spend more time writing my thoughts and sharing ideas with others. If nothing else, I will have the opportunity to hear that I am way off base, or not thinking it all through clearly. So, here I am. 48 years young, two children, one dog, one guinea pig (that was almost given away for lack of care), I am trying hard to maintain this marriage. My wife is a good soul, but she and I are so very different. She has little patience for my ideas and certainly does not have much concern for how life may have battered and beaten me during the many years I lived before we met. We are from different solar systems and speak in different languages. I come close at times to understanding hers. But her language is fluid and has many subtle nuances. A lie is what children tell; she is often only kidding. Well, I am a true space cadet. I like thinking, sitting quietly, practicing mindfulness, and creating photos. I am an oddball social worker. I love animals and flowers and green grass and sunny skies. Rain does not bother or annoy me. I have fond memories of walking barefoot in the rain. I am a tough act to follow.

Luke

You won't have to wonder long who this madman is. Self-portrait made just this very afternoon. Not my worst and hopefully not my best as I get accustomed to the new lights that will go into my Someday Studio. 

Pretty Things

I like pretty things!