Haley walked into class last week, smiling and full of life; a happy, joyful 7 year old. School had started again and she was excited to be a third grader.
"Good morning, Connie," she said as she ran to where I was sharing pictures of my girls with a group of other kids. "Who are they?"
"These are my daughters. Sarah, Caitlin and Maggie."
Haley squealed with recognition and delight. "You know Megan?" she asked, clearly excited that she thought we had these people in common.
"Megan who?" I said.
Haley shook her head and threw her arms out in exasperation. "Megan," she said. "Megan from Texas."
"I don't think I know Megan."
"Yes you do, Connie. Megan and Bree and Francis and Kayla? They live in Texas. You know Texas?"
"Yes, I know Texas. But Bree and Francis and Kayla?" I repeated.
"Yeeeeesss!" she said again, waving her arms wildly and spinning around in a circle.
"Texas is a big place, Haley. I really don't think I know them."
Haley stamped her feet and rolled her eyes. "You knowww them, Connie!"
I looked at the descending disappointment as Haley's body language became more frustrated and I realized that for once language wasn't the problem, but the understanding of time and distance, the limits of Haley's spatial awareness. I knew I didn't want to be the one to tell her there is no Santa Claus.
"Oh...I think I remember Megan and Bree and Francis and Kayla from Texas," I said. "Maybe I do know them after all."
The return of her smile was worth the little white lie.
It is so hot, hot, hot and humid here; and the thing is, the temperature doesn't change from a.m. to p.m. How hot is it you might ask? Last night I froze a litre bottle of water rock solid and put it on my stomach and chest trying to cool myself off. In less than 30 minutes it was liquid and I was back to thinking that Alaska might be a nice place to retire. Those of you who know me, know that I have often complained about the heat in SoCal too. I do admit to being a heat wimp, but putting the dramatic aside, it is just too, too hot and humid here. Quoting words from a favorite fun song that Maggie burned on a CD for me several years ago, "It's getting hot in here. I think I'll take off all my clothes." Now there's a scary visual.
The 25 Most Remarkable Teens program is well on its way to success. I ended up doing in-person interviews with 90 of the 100 nominees, and have selected recipients in 25 categories. Presentations will be held on Thursday, November 10 at a special meeting of Parliament wherein award winners will be recognized by all the Ministers of Government, including the Prime Minister, in the presence of parents and other family members, nominators, school administrators and community leaders. There will be no monetary awards for recognition, but rather the simple honor of Government Ministers showing their respect and admiration for the positive choices, courage and determination of these young people. It's a recognition that is fundamental to the success of the program, its long term sustainability and the broader effect on the way youth will be viewed in this nation.
Speaking of determination, I've been here a year plus now and though I miss home, family and friends immensely, I will stay and fulfill my commitment. I think the reason I'm here has many layers, but essentially it is in harmony with where I need to be. So, I'm going to follow my intuition knowing that the experience brings with it the potential for a greater good and a more peaceful life. In other words, I'm letting the universe have its way with me.
And so it goes for another day.
