Happy Birthday, Mrs. Bond!

Today is my daughter's third grade teachers birthday!  She is 84 today!  She taught my daughter twenty-five years ago.  Beyond the reading and writing, are the lessons my daughter carries with her today.  We keep in touch.  We visit in the summertime.  She is an amazing lady, and remains an inspiration to us both.

Recently, there was a story in one of our newspapers regarding a woman who was about to graduate from University.  She credited her success to one of her early teachers, who took the time to encourage her to be her best.  The writer wanted to find her teacher, after so many years, to thank her.  So she wrote to the newspaper with her story.  The newspaper, in turn, launched a 'Lost Teacher Story' contest.

While my own daughter's amazing teacher story didn't quite qualify for the contest, I nevertheless felt inspired to share her story, excerpts of which follow:

"Bravo to Ms. G for her amazing accomplishments, and Bravo to Mrs. C for her dedication and inspiration all those years ago.  I hope they soon have an opportunity to re-unite!"
"I'm sure there are many teachers out there who are unaware of the legacy they have passed on to their students by being such positive role models.  In this fast-paced world we live in, it is sometimes difficult for parents to find sufficient time to dedicate to inspire their children to read."
"I have a similar story to share, although it is unlikely to qualify for the 'Lost Teacher Contest'."
"Back in the early 1980's my daughter Erin attended Birch Cliff Public School in Scarborough.  Her kindergarten teacher, Ms. Chu was amazing, and Erin loved going to school.  However, grades 1 and 2 were another story.  Her teacher, which she had for both grades, seemed to lack that special quality that so many teachers take to their job - a genuine love of children, and a genuine desire to reach out and inspire as many students as possible.  Erin was withdrawn and sad during those two years, and her self-esteem gradually withered, try as I may to encourage her with her homework."
She began grade 3 as a very shy little girl, unsure of her self-worth and her ability to keep up with her fellow classmates.  That soon changed!  Her teacher, Mrs. Bond, took her under her wing (for she is truly an angel!) and took the time, patience and enery to bring Erin out of the 'cocoon' she was in, and release her beautiful 'inner butterfly.'  Her reading skills soared...her self-esteem soared...her happiness soared!  As a mother, I was beyond grateful for the change in my child.  Mrs. Bond taught Erin, and all the other lucky little ones who were in her class, for two years.  Two transformative years.  And while my daughter had her share of encounters with other teachers throughout her school career, it is the positive influences of those teachers who encouraged her that has stayed with her and contributed to her success as a good person, a loving daughter, a caring partner, and now, an amazing momma to my little grandson, Aidan."

Student and Teacher!

"We have stayed in touch with Mrs. Bond through all the years since Erin was her student!  Christmas cards and letters, emails and visits.  Mrs. Bond was at Erin's high school graduation.  She travelled a long distance to attend her wedding.  I don't know if she really knows how much of an honour for us her being there was.  I hope so."
"Retired from teaching now for many years, Mrs. Bond continues to inspire and bring out the best in people.  When not travelling around Canada, she spends her time teaching writing workshops at her local library, and writing her own collection of books of her early years growing up in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia."
"While visiting last summer, I harvested every copy of Mrs. Bond's books!  They have been well read, and now sit on my bookshelf, a concrete legacy, not only for my daughter, but also for my grandson."
"I will tell him of Mrs. Bond.  How good and kind she was to his momma when she was in school all those years ago.  It is my wish that he too will encounter such an amazing teacher in his travels through public school.  I will hopefully draw upon her patience and skill to instill in my grandson a love and passion for reading. 'Paying it Forward' her legacy will continue to live on.  Thank You, Mrs. Bond!"

And a VERY Happy Birthday to you!

School Days! School Days!

Where does the time go?  It doesn't seem all that long ago that the little love of my life was small enough to cradle on one arm.  Small enough to lay across my chest where I could listen to the tiny sound of his breathing.  Small enough to gather him to me and whisper 'sweet nothings' in his ear.  Small enough to gently sing a lullaby to soothe him to sleep.  Where does the time go?

Today was Aidan's first day of school!  His mama had to walk him to school and leave him with his teacher.  It is a rite of passage for them both.  All mothers have to do it.  Nana sat this one out!  But only long enough for school to start, then I too arrived at their home and began to walk to the school, and met my broken-hearted daughter on the pathway home.  I know how she felt.  I remember it well.  But I also know it will all be alright.  She has yet to realize that.  A cup of tea and a shoulder to cry on made us both feel better.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho...it`s off to school I go!

It wasn`t long before it was time to pick up the little guy from school.  When mama left him there he wailed and cried out for her.  It was of no consolation that some of the other children cried for their mamas too.

But all was well!  When the bell rang, out ran all the little ones with big smiles on their faces (and relief on the faces of all the anxious parents.)  So, we all survived the day!  And now a whole new adventure begins!  I`m sure there will be lots of tales to tell in the upcoming months.  But for today...a sigh of relief.

The Housework Can Wait!

Today is housework day!  My Monday routine consists of scrubbing and cleaning; laundry and ironing.  But not today!

After a summer of hot, humid days that seeped my energy and made any chore take twice as long to complete, today is a glorious, sunny, cool, late summer day.  So...it's off to the beach we go!

Momma and Nana lounging in the chairs, soaking up a much more civilized sun through the brisk, cool breezes crossing the lake.  The little love of my life, throwing rocks into the lake, as usual.  It's what he loves to do more than anything. 

So, the world can wait. And the housework can wait.  This is where I need to be today!  'Rock On' my little Aidan!

My very own little Super-Hero!

When Aidan was about a year or so old he would love to 'ham it up' for the camera.  Not so much anymore...I can rarely distract him long enough to even 
look at the camera these days!  He decided he liked being 'superman' (even though he didn't have a clue who superman was!) and I was able to take loads of photos of him in superman mode... 

Look Nana...I'm Super-Baby!

Later that year I even found a superman Halloween costume, but my little 'superman' was super cranky that day...

A very cranky Superman!

The photos were so funny...and they got me to thinking.  Hmmm...off to the drawing board I went, where I whipped up a pattern for a super-hero cape, cut out the fabric and had it made up in an hour or so...

Of course, I had to make one for the other little super-hero in our family...

The following spring, off to the beach we went for a picnic, capes in tow, where I got some great photos of both boys (oops, sorry...super-heroes!)...

Super-hero Aidan

Super-hero Emmet

Some moms were asking where we got the capes, and 'the rest is history' as they say!  For over two years now I've been making and selling the capes across Canada and the USA from my website and I also have the capes listed on etsy 

It's a bird...it's a plane...

...it's Super-Aidan!

Aidan now has a whole 'wardrobe' of capes...I made him one for Canada Day, with a maple leaf emblem, and another with totem poles, which he wore to his first 'pow wow', but I think his favourite has been the Thomas the Tank Engine cape. 
It sure is fun having my very own little super-hero!

It's Blueberry Time!

Ahh...the sweet tastes of summer!  Already gone are the days of picking strawberries and raspberries.  Already here are the days for picking blueberries!
I want Aidan to know where his food comes from.  I want him to learn how it grows.  That it needs sun and rain.  And then the joy (and the work!) of harvesting the ripe fruit. 

Pickin'  Blueberries

He's having fun with it so far!  Papa and I planted a large vegetable garden again this year, and Aidan delights in finding the red, ripe tomatoes and peppers.  It's a game of hide and seek finding the zucchini and cucumbers beneath their big leaves.

Helping Papa!

But there's nothing like a trip to the blueberry farm!  While the unbearable heat of summer has left me wilted, it seems to have produced an abundance of blueberries.  The juicy, ripe berries fall into our hands and baskets at the slightest touch.  In no time at all we have baskets (and tummies!) filled to the brim.

Mmmm...yummy blueberries!

Aidan loves to 'help' fill the baskets with the ripe berries, and throw the still green berries on the ground "for the birdies, Nana"!
With our baskets loaded up we head for home to freeze what berries don't get eaten, or made into muffins...or sauce for ice cream or pancakes...or added to our breakfast smoothies.
I encourage Aidan to thank the blueberry bushes for their berries. Thank you...blueberry bushes...warm sun...cool rain, for what will be another abundant summer harvest. 

Tolerance

My heart aches for all the lost souls of the terrible tragedy in Norway this past weekend.  And for the families who are left behind to attempt to glue back together the fragmented pieces of their shattered lives.  And for the country itself, who's people pride themselves on tolerance and peaceful co-existence.  And, as difficult as it is...for the perpetrator of this tragedy.  For he too, is a victim of sorts.  Of ideology and fanaticism.

I have told my daughter, on many occasions, that if I have taught her one thing in this life, passed along just one attribute that I aspire to, it is tolerance .  The 'Live and Let Live' thing.  The understanding that we are all one.  Seeing the inherent goodness in all of humanity.  Accepting that there is more than one way to connect with God (whatever 'God' is for each of us.)  If I have taught her that, then I will leave this planet in peace when my time comes.

I think she gets it.  No, I know she gets it!  My joy, and my peace, is knowing that this understanding will be passed along to my little Aidan, with or without me.  Not that I'm the greatest mother (who is?!) but it feels good to know I did something right!

I gave up religion more than forty years ago.  I remember well the 'moment of decision' (though I'm sure it came about after much contemplation.)  Crossing an intersection of a busy road and saying Enough! Enough!  After crossing that intersection, is when the real journey began and continues still, and will, I hope, until my last breath.

So many books.  Some wonderful and life changing.  Others not so much.  And yet a few more went into the garbage can!  We read.  We learn.  We take away that which resonates with our hearts and souls, and let go of the rest.

I have studied most religions and...I think I've found the problem!  Most (well, at least the 'biggies') espouse to the theory that 'their way is the right way - the only way'  and if you don't follow 'their way' you will burn in hell.  Such hogwash!  I have little time (or, dare I say, tolerance) for 'organized' religion, and the 'holier than thou' stuff.  It is soul deflating and dis-empowering.  At least to me.  I know some people find strength in it, and that's OK.  This is about tolerance, right?

One book I read is called 'What God Wants' by Neale Donald Walsch.  First page - blank!  Second page - blank!  Third page - one word...'Nothing'!  God wants nothing!  Why would God want anything?  S(He) is God, for God's sake!  And if we are indeed 'God's children' like all the 'big books' say, then what would God, as our 'parent' want for us?  There are words in a children's song by Raffi that I think just about sums it up - 'A song in my heart...food in my belly...and love in my family...'

And we are all 'family' in the grand scheme of things.  A lot of us just haven't got that yet.  Dare I say, I must have faith?!  Faith that someday we will 'get it'!  All be it kicking and screaming.  And through tragedy, despair, and heartache, such as the events of this past weekend, we come to question 'why?' and then to question 'what can I do to change it?' Finding those answers is, and has unfortunately been for millennia, humanity's task.

My beautiful grandson!

My little Aidan...I wish you a lifetime of peace and happiness.  Indeed I wish you a song in your heart, food in your belly, and love in your family.  And I wish you tolerance...acceptance...empathy for all of humanity.  For they too are your 'family'!  And may you find your God...whatever that is for you, and only you.

Hazy, Lazy, Summer Days!

It's another hot one today!  With no end in sight to the hot and hazy days of summer.  My body and soul crave the breath of cool air in my lungs.  Grabbed the little love of my life, a few snacks, my fold up chair, and headed to the 'stream park'.  On go the water shoes (his, not mine!) and off into the stream he goes!

Tons of rocks, Nana!

 How lucky am I?  Sitting back in the shade of a huge maple tree, watching Aidan pick up rocks and fling them into the water.  Life is good!

More rocks, Nana!

Butterflies flitter.  Dragonflies glide along on the warm breeze that flutters through the trees.  Falling leaves land in the water and I watch as they float and skip their way down the stream.  I have to momentarily close my eyes and take in all the sounds.  Or lack thereof!  All I hear is the rustle of leaves in the trees, a few birds singing off in the distance, and the water babbling as it rushes over the boulders in the stream.  Ahhhh!

Plop, Plop, in they go!

Oh yes...and the sound of rocks landing...ploop, plop, into the water they go, hurled through the air by my dear little grandson.  Rock...after rock...after rock!  He never tires of it.   I dreamily imagine him a famous baseball pitcher some day, making tons of money, so he can look after his old, drooling nana.  Hmmm...
This is a good summer's day!  As Aidan like's to remind me..."Life's Good Nana!"
Indeed it is, little one!

This ain't 'Kansas' Auntie Em!

Woke up this morning to the sound of early birds singing in the trees outside my window.  A cool breeze blowing through the room, landing at my feet with a sigh...Ahhhh! 
I didn't have to go anywhere.  I didn't have to do anything, except enjoy the birds, the breeze and the cool, crisp cotton sheets as I lay on the bed that surrounded, embraced, and upheld my once weary bones.
This sure ain't 'Kansas' Auntie Em!
A short respite from the crazy busy days of my normal, everyday life took me to the home of my 'adopted boy child' Walter.  Not so much a child anymore, but a grown man now, and the son of my dearest friend, who passed away just last year.
Walter 'adopted' me as his 'second mom' many years ago.  We have laughed and cried together.  Been each other's confidant and advisor.  Every so often, we put our busy lives on hold, and take some time to just 'hang out' together...watch movies, eat, and catch up on what's happening in our lives.
Yesterday was one of those days.  Slept like a baby in the guest room of his lovely new house, until the birds announced it was morning.  As I lay in the quiet of the still, cool morning, I decided there was a word for this...Bliss!   Indeed that is what is was.  Thank you, Walter.

It's good to be home!

All too soon, I had to return to 'Kansas'.  The little love of my life was waiting for my at the train station.  Nana! Nana!  I heard him before I saw him.
There is no place like home, Auntie Em!

Happy Birthday, Aidan!!

Today...is my beautiful grandson's fourth birthday!  What an amazing journey it has been so far!  I cannot imagine my life without him in it.  He is such a happy boy!  So loving and giving.  So innocent and full of wonder at everything around him.  Now that summer is here, and we're outdoors most days, there's a whole new world out there to explore!  Birds, ants, bees, rocks, flowers, clouds...

Hangin' out at the beach.

 As often as possible, we head to the beach to throw rocks into the lake, which apparently, to a four-year-old, is the most exciting thing in the world to do!  For a little variety (and for his Nana's sanity!) we have been exploring local parks and pathways, finding streams and rivers in which to throw more rocks!

'Meditating' in the park.

What to give a four year old for his birthday?  He has so many trucks and cars, and books about trucks and cars!  He has water toys, a sand box and a tricycle.  Hmmm...decided now would be a good time to invest in his future education!  So, off to the bank we go and sign up for an 'education savings fund'.  I know it's not a very exciting gift, but when he's eighteen or so, I think he'll be happy (I KNOW momma and daddy will be!)  to have the money to help him through college or university.  And now for each birthday and holiday, Papa and I can put some money in the fund, instead of (more likely as well as!) buying more toys.

It's great to be FOUR!

Well, we didn't end up adding to the toy collection this year!  Along with the 'moola' deposited to the education fund, this years birthday gift is a 'Bob the Builder' DVD, and...a bag of river rocks from the dollar store!  I just know we're going to need them...by the end of summer there won't be too many left at the beach!
Happy Birthday, my beautiful boy!

Top o' the Mornin' Mr. O'Bama

Just catching up on today's news, and I see President O'Bama paid a visit to dear old Ireland today!  Even managed to down a pint of Guinness!  So, in honour of his visit, I thought I'd share a few (pre-election) photos I had stashed away...

O'Bama Baby Aidan

Like a lot of people around the world, I too got swept up with 'Obama fever' and got a little creative with the fabric paints!  I thought it would be fun to paint shirts for Aidan and Emmet, (OK...all the 'nanas' got one too!) with a little touch of Ireland to boot,  hence the O'Bama and the shamrocks!  Who knew the man himself would turn out to have Irish ancestors! 

My daughter Erin, my Irish mother Bridie, my sister 'Nana Carol' and O'Bama Babies-Aidan and Emmet

The election of Obama was a historic time, not just for America, but for the rest of the world.  People's spirits were lifted, and their hearts filled with much needed hope for the future.  While the shirts were all for fun, I also wanted the boys to have something to look back on for that time in their lives...to say 'we were there' (sort of!)  It was a time to dare to hope for a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.  That it is possible.  I still believe it is.  So, Cead Mile Faite, Mr. O'Bama...a hundred thousand welcomes!  Hope the Craic was good, and the Guinness warm!