Adventures In Motherhood

It seemed we had created our own street playground in Portland, with no less than a dozen children corralled every afternoon playing four square, tetherball, basketball, football, whiffle ball, you name it! A veritable dream for both children, eager to compete in fresh air, and smiling parents, tired of their kids' addiction to electronics, dreaming of yesteryear when street play was our only option as children. Balls were literally flying everywhere, cut-through street traffic was calmed, laughter resonated for blocks, and we created community, until February 9th, when we received a city citation claiming violation of the right-of-way ordinance for recreational items in the street. Shaking my head in disbelief as I read the notice, I was astounded that anyone would report such positive activity, let alone in progressive Portlandia! I was determined to overcome this vigilante justice. With negative news daily, children seem to be a beacon of hope for our future. Who would wan...

I will never regret playing hooky with my daughter this week. A justified 'mental health' day, we called it. A day to unplug and reset. To sleep in and rejuvenate. The day our souls connected in peace. Free from the fear of mass school shootings. Free from the pressures of social media. Free from the judgment of strangers. Free from the stress of schedules and to do lists. Free from negativity and injustice. Huddling together under blankets in the darkness. Sharing the experience of 'Pretty in Pink'. Realizing high school hasn't changed much. And clothes are back in style. I want her to know I understand. I'm here for you sweet child, no matter what. I have your back everyday. Even if threats at school persist. And you experience discomfort. Your world grows but I never waver. We continue to feed our souls. Thai food and yoga. Connecting in restoration and breath. Nurturing what's needed. Practicing stillness and letting go. Tru...

Today my daughter called me from high school shaking with fear in her voice. "Mom, there was a school shooting threat today. The school's going on a lockdown and all my friends are being picked up by their parents. Can you come get me?" she inquired fearful of becoming another mass shooting victim. Begging her to slow down on the phone, I asked her to repeat the details as I quickly scanned social media for any breaking news. Unsuccessful, and desperate not to succumb to fear or inaccurate information without source verification, while sympathetic to my child's needs, I hung up the phone, assuring her I would verify details with the principal's office. The principal's secretary confirmed a threat was received, unspecific to the high school. The threat was unsubstantiated, and likely a social media post gone viral. There would be no lock-down. Nevertheless, the administration assured me that police presence was escalated in the neighborhood and school, and ...