Prayer for the Children

                   

               Prayer

Can we touch the soul of heaven

Can we unite a sacred lesson

Every child creates a skylight of beauty

Can you hear cathedrals falling

All the universe is calling

Cry a single cello from your heart

Since the world has lost her way

Loneliness journey endlessly

Yet the promised chance remains

Gift of what could be

So let the children remember the sun

Let them dance let them soar

For their lives have begun

Let the children engender the rain

As the river runs through fields

Forever subsiding their pain

Prayer

Every voice along the shoreline

Standing still within time

Spinning unresolved
The Walking

As each season passes

Wonderland of looking glasses

Secret garden shires beckons you

Gentle flower, don’t fade away

Sweet innocence still harbors thee

In the faith of golden dreams

Where one love lives eternally

Let the children remember the sun

Let them dance let them soar

For their lives have begun

Let the children engender the rain

As the river runs through fields

Forever subsiding their pain

Prayer

Prayer

Prayer

Bless the children for they are the light

They are the truth of spirit in flight

Yes the children engender the rain

As the river runs through life

Healing their pain

if you could just reach your heart one last time

Sweet angels, conceive you have

Forever and always believed Prayer

Prayer

Prayer

Prayer

~Celine Dion

A Special Tribute

 An acquaintence recently shared a beautiful poem with me titled "Daddy's Poem," written by Cheryl Costello-Forshey. I would like to share it with you as a tribute to the children, and other family members, of our fallen soldiers. We frequently use the cliche "they gave their all" when speaking of soldiers who have lost their lives while serving their country. Much less frequently we acknowledge the magnitude, and effect, of loss to the families of the deceased, especially the children. Life for them may indeed go on, but there will always be a very important part that is never completely healed or replaced. I am very proud of our service men and women who "risk their all" for my welfare. I honor those who have lost their lives in the service of our country. There is no way I can truly repay them for their sacrifice. Though it be poor compensation, I do wish to thank their families, and hope that as a nation we come to truly appreciate the sacrifice of all military families, especially those who have lost loved ones. I especially hope that we make a special effort to ensure that the children of our fallen comrades will be cared for and supported in their absence.

I invite you to click the play button on the music video below and thoughtfully read the poem. I hope it will inspire you as it did me. Thank you in advance for taking the time to do so.

Daddy's Poem

Her hair was up in a pony tail,

her favorite dress tied with a bow.

Today was Daddy's Day at school,

and she couldn't wait to go.

But her mommy tried to tell her,

that she probably should stay home

Why the kids might not understand,

if she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid;

she knew just what to say.

What to tell her classmates

of why he wasn't there today.

But still her mother worried,

for her to face this day alone.

And that was why once again,

she tried to keep her daughter home.

But the little girl went to school

eager to tell them all.

About a dad she never sees,

a dad who never calls.

There were daddies along the wall in

back, for everyone to meet.

Children squirming impatiently,

anxious in their seats.

One by one the teacher called

a student from the class.

To introduce their daddy,

as seconds slowly passed.

At last the teacher called her name,

every child turned to stare.

Each of them was searching,

for a man who wasn't there.

"Where's her daddy at?"

She heard a boy call out.

"She probably doesn't have one,"

another student dared to shout.

And from somewhere near the back,

she heard a daddy say,

"Looks like another deadbeat dad,

too busy to waste his day."

The words did not offend her,

as she smiled up at her Mom.

And looked back at her teacher, who

told her to go on.

And with hands behind her back,

slowly she began to speak.

And out from the mouth of a child,

came words incredibly unique.

"My Daddy couldn't be here,

because he lives so far away.

But I know he wishes he could be,

since this is such a special day.

And though you cannot meet him,

I wanted you to know.

All about my daddy,

and how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories

he taught me to ride my bike.

He surprised me with pink roses,

and taught me to fly a kite.

We used to share fudge sundaes,

and ice cream in a cone.

And though you cannot see him.

I'm not standing here alone.

"Cause my daddy's always with me,

even though we are apart

I know because he told me,

he'll forever be in my heart"

With that, her little hand reached up,

and lay across her chest.

Feeling her own heartbeat,

beneath her favorite dress.

And from somewhere there in the crowd

of dads, her mother stood in tears.

Proudly watching her daughter,

who was wise beyond her years.

For she stood up for the love

of a man not in her life.

Doing what was best for her,

doing what was a right.

And when she dropped her hand back

down, staring straight into the crowd.

She finished with a voice so soft,

but its message clear and loud.

"I love my daddy very much,

he's my shining star.

And if he could, he'd be here,

but heaven's just too far.

You see he is an American Soldier

and died just this past year

When a roadside bomb hit his convoy

and taught Americans to fear.

But sometimes when I close my eyes,

It's like he never went away."

And then she closed her eyes,

and saw him there that day.

And to her mother's amazement,

she witnessed with surprise.

A room full of daddies and children,

all starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them,

who knows what they felt inside.

Perhaps for merely a second,

they saw him at her side.

"I know you're with me Daddy,"

to the silence she called out.

And what happened next made believers,

of those once filled with doubt.

Not one in that room could explain it,

for each of their eyes had been closed.

But there on the desk beside her,

was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose.

And a child was blessed, if only for

a moment, by the love of her shining star.

And given the gift of believing,

that heaven is never too far.

~Cheryl Costello-Forshey

 






Objectifying Children

The topic of "objectifying children" is one that can be visited, and revisited, many times over. Most of us are guilty in our actions, and/or language, of addressing children as objects, rather than as beings. Be it intentional or unintentional, it would serve us well to stop and reflect on the the possible effect that such miscarriages of thought and behavior might have on the present and future well-being of the child. 
 

"The worst attitude of all would be the professional attitude

which regards children in the lump as a sort of raw material

which we have to handle."

~On Three Ways of Writing for Children

As a first year teacher I quickly came to realize how important it was to recognize the identity of the child in personalized terms, i.e., most children take exception to being addressed in terms that attack their dignity and self-respect. A perfect example of this is addressing the child by their given name rather than an impersonal format such as "hey you."

Perhaps our objectifying of children, both intentional and unintentional, is a result of our tendency to distance ourselves from another person - in this case the child - for one of many reasons (e.g. concern about being accused of inappropriateness of interaction with children). Self-preservation  is a powerful motive, but some of the ripples it creates can be damaging both to self and others. Humans are social creatures by nature, and actions that separate or distance us from others cannot help impacting our humanity if some way.

"Children are sponges.

They absorb every wordthat comes out of your mouth.

They mimic your body language and they emulate your behavior."

~Nanny 911

As a school administrator I had the opportunity to interview, and enter into conversation with, many aspiring teachers and paraprofessionals. Very often in those conversations the individual being interviewed would refer to children as "sponges" absorbing what was being taught. From such a perspective it would be wise to remember that they would also be absorbing everything else that was going on within their environment!

"As one young teacher I know put it,

"You feel like you should be seeing light bulbs

going off in kids' heads every day...."

~The New Teacher Book



The "light bulb" cliche is another of those colloquial quips that appears positive and personal on the surface, but under closer examination is a form of depersonalization of a very important human interaction taking place between teacher and student. Would it not be more personalized, and more accurately descriptive, if one were to replace "light bulbs going off" with "recognizing expressions of understanding," or some such statement?

In closing, there will undoubtedly be a number of readers who will scoff at the comments above and consider such a concern as expressed herein to be trite and insignificant, if not downright absurd. Perhaps the reader drawing such a conclusion would be justified in his/her conclusion. However, before totally disparaging the concern regarding the objectification of our children, or anyone else for that matter, please take a moment to consider how often you and I are objectified ourselves on a daily basis. Keeping a "chit sheet" of our own, or other's, words and actions that depersonalize an event or conversation with another person for a day of two might be found to be quiet revealing. Improvement accompanies understanding. Understanding accompanies assessment. Assessment is accompanied by self-examination. Self-examination is the route to self-improvement. 



Imagine a Better Future for Our Children

What Kind of Future Do You Imagine for Our Children?

Today's entry is in response to a feeling of great exasperation resulting from watching the world attempting to bludgeon itself into submission in the name of peace, collaboration/cooperation, community, or one of a million causes.

I am sincerely concerned about the future our children and young people are destined to inherit from the adult generation. I believe they deserve the very best we can leave them. One that is worth inheriting! How about you?

At times like these, the thoughts expressed in the song Imagine by John Lennon seem most appropriate.

The Child As A Miracle

On the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the philosophical and legal controversy continues among the people of the United States. Realizing a common ground regarding the issues related to Roe v. Wade may, or may not, become a reality, at least in the foreseeable future. However, speaking as a child advocate, I sincerely hope that we as a people can come to agreement on the miraculousness nature of childbirth and childhood. Wherever you stand on the Roe v. Wade decision, I hope that we are of one voice regarding the unequivocal nature and value of all life, especially that of a child.

"The child must know that he is a miracle,

that since the beginning of the world there hasn’t been,

and until the end of the world there will not be,

 another child like him."

~Pablo Casals

Thy life is a miracle!

~King Lear

When A Child Is Born

A ray of hope flickers through the sky,

A tiny star lights up, way up high.

All across the land dawns a brand new morn’.

This comes to pass, when a child is born.

A silent wish sails the seven seas.

The winds of change whisper in the trees,

And the walls of doubt crumble fast and torn.

This comes to pass, when a child is born.

A rosy hue settles all around.

You’ve got the feel you’re on solid ground.

For a spell or two no-one seems forlorn.

This comes to pass, when a child is born.

And all this happens, because the world is waiting,

Waiting for one child; black, white, yellow? No-one knows.

But a child that’ll grow up and change tears to laughter,

Hate to love, war to peace and everyone to everyone’s neighbour

And misery and suffering will be words

That will be forgotten forever.

It’s all a dream and illusion now,

It must come true, sometime soon somehow.

All across the land dawns a brand-new morn’.

This comes to pass, when a child is born.

~F. Jay

                                                  

Our Most Sacred Trust

”There is no trust more sacred than the one the world holds with children.There is no duty more important than ensuring that their rights are respected, that their welfare is protected, that their lives are free from fear and want and that they can grow in peace.”       ~Kofi Annan

As the the 7th Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan had many opportunities to see firsthand children living in a multitude of environments around the world. He also realized that many, if not most, of the decisions we make in the various political and social arenas ultimately impact the lives of children. One cannot help but question our ability as adult decision-makers to do the "right thing" in behalf of our children to ensure that their future is safe and secure?

"If we don't stand up for children, then we don't stand for much."

-- Marian Wright Edelman

Marian Wright Edelman is a distinguished child rights advocate that has been a perennial voice for children for many years. She has been a strong advocate for minority children, especially African-American children. More importantly though is her recognition, as it should be everyone's, that where we stand on children's issues says a great deal about who and what we are as adults.

"It's up to each of us to help create a better world for our children."

-- Dr. Benjamin Spock

Those of us old enough to have lived, and/or grown up, during the "Dr. Spock era" remember that Dr. Spock's philosophies regarding child rearing gathered in a great number of followers, and, similarly, fostered a large cadre of scoffers and critics. However, can we as a species, as a society, as a nation, or as a world deny the validity of the quote above which is attributed to Dr. Spock?

As individuals, we frequently feel that our efforts to work toward a better, more peace-filled, world are futile, and that the vast majority of people are hellbent on destroying, rather than improving, our world. Certainly, there is more than ample evidence to support such a sense of hopelessness, but for the sake of our children, if not for ourselves, we must not give up on our efforts to make a positive difference in our homes, communities, and the world. "Carol Bellamy reminds us, "...in serving the best interests of children, we serve the best interests of all humanity."

Worth Thinking About!



I Was Hungry, Nathan Greene (Artist)

The following excerpt is borrowed from The Sun Magazaine:

"Anytime we see somebody who is pushing a shopping cart and talking to themselves or apparently drunk on the sidewalk, we know they didn't start that way.... Something happened to them, probably something awful, probably more than once, that broke them and brought them to their sorry state. They were once children who didn't get a fair break. So let's honor who they were. Let's at least give them a fair break now."

                                                ~John Records, Leave The Lights On

This blog is dedicated to the advocacy for children's rights. But, it is dedicated to much more. At the bare minimum, the fair and respectful treatment of our children is a moral and social imperative. For those of us willing to reach beyond minimums and risk a bit of the esoteric, we need to see our children beyond their corporal existence. We also need to conceive of them as spiritual beings, as well. Either way, our response to the children will determine our own lot in life. In simple language, we cannot help children without helping ourselves. Likewise, we cannot do harm to children without doing harm to ourselves. In so many ways, everyday, we have the choice to do good, or do harm. Unfortunately, with the contemporary trend to "live in the moment," "live in the now," at best, the "future" is considered something fleeting and/or illusory. This is nearsightedness at it's worst. If we do not at least risk living in the future a bit, is living in the now of any lasting value?" Investing our time and energy in the proper nurturing of our children can bring us joy-in-the-moment, as well as fulfillment and reward in the future.

Let's do more than honor people for "who they were." Let's also honor them for "who they are."

“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life

 that no man can sincerely try to help another

without helping himself.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Children's Future is in Our Hands

I Dreamed

I dreamed I stood in a studio, and watched two sculptors there,

The clay they used was a young child's mind, and they fashioned it with care.

One was a teacher; the tools she used were books and music and art.

One was a parent with a guiding hand and a gentle, loving heart.

And when at last their work was done

They were proud of what they had wrought.

For the things they had worked into the child could never be sold or bought.

And each agreed she would have failed if she had worked alone

For behind the parent stood the school, and behind the teacher stood the home.

--Ray A. Lingenfelter

Acquiring Knowledge - Motivations

"There are some who desire knowledge merely for its own sake; and that is shameful curiosity. And there are others who desire to know, in order that they may themselves be known; and that is vanity, disgraceful too. Others again desire knowledge in order to acquire money or preferment by it; that too is a discreditable quest. But there are also some who desire knowledge, that they may build up the souls of others with it; and that is charity. Others, again, desire it that they may themselves be built up thereby; and that is prudence. Of all these types, only the last two put knowledge to the right use"

--St. Bernard, Sermon on the Canticle of Canticles.

What do children learn?

Children Learn What They Live

If Children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If Children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If Children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If Children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If Children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If Children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If Children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If Children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If Children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If Children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If Children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If Children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If Children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If Children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If Children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If Children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If Children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If Children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves
and in those about them.
If Children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

—Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D