The weather in the Midwest has finally improved...you just don't expect 60 degrees at the end of August, so the 70's have been a welcomed response for the beginning of September! With improved weather comes a chance to open the windows...and ironically, opening the windows allows us to clear the air. It seems I need to clear the air about a few things.
First, I am not a powerful person. I never claimed to be, nor do I want to have power. I intentionally gave all that up when I made the choice to switch career paths and stop the insanity of the 40+ hour work week, which had the "career-focused" woman in me constantly battling with the "mom" in me. As a professor/faculty member at a university, I have more flexibility in my day to be available to my family, and yet I can continue to devote the time I need to my career--it just doesn't always need to be in the confines of the ivory tower. I no longer strive to be the "king of the world"...or "queen", for that matter. So, with that said, it amazed me that my last post regarding "friends for a season" would cause such a stir of emotions. As if I am that powerful a person...
It must be said that I've made some amazing friends through my son's travel hockey program--some began in our house-league hockey days, with some of those friends still in the house league today. These are people, men and women, who regardless of any team placement, will approach me (or I them) and there is genuine happiness in saying hello, catching up on how the family is doing, and hearing what is new in their world. We've laughed together, cried together, even faced death together. Some of the hockey families I've met I've had the pleasure of getting together with outside of the regular season. These are NOT friends for a season...these are FRIENDS. And I am thankful that my son finds their sons to be his good friends. When he wants to get together with a friend, it is a bit harder because we have to drive a town away (either them coming to us or him going to them), but these are the people he wants to spend his time with. I know their parents, I trust these boys, and he truly has fun with them. I am grateful for these friendships.
As I spent time at the rink over the past few days during try-outs for this season's teams, it was great to see so many people we haven't seen since last season ended! And then there were a few who gave me the "Newman" hello...picture a Seinfeld episode and you'll understand. Actually getting a hello was more than expected, but there you go! Friends for a season...former teammates' families. It did cause me to be cautious about who to approach. That was a sad feeling, but that's life.
On another note...the President will be addressing our school children on Tuesday, September 8th. There's been much discussion about this--and since the initial letter to the principals by the Secretary of Education stated things that were rather political propaganda, he has revised what projects the President would like these children to do after he is done speaking. The concept of asking our children, "what can you do for President Obama", rather than "what can you do for America" is a very good point that one of my friends brought up. I do not oppose the President of our country speaking to my children--I am concerned about the subject matter of his discussion and whether he will be using this platform for his own political agenda, or if he truly does want this to be about the kids' goals. Because there have been so many concerns and issues surrounding how this has come to light, I question the intent. Do I oppose the President speaking to school children? Not at all...I am a concerned parent when it comes to the subject matter of that conversation--and I believe any parent would be.
It is good to be able to open the windows every now and again to let the air flow through your home--clearing the air is good! Inevitably, bad air is still trapped in some places, but no matter how hard you try, you can't always fix it. Hopefully, time will ease tension.
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