Yesterday was a great day in history. Watching Barack Obama (whether you voted for him or not) being sworn in to office was exciting-brought tears to my eyes. He brings such a non-dramatic, down-to-earth sense of excitment and confidence to us as the people under him. He admits he can't do this by himself, that he needs our help and I'm excited to see what he will do. His wife seems to be the helpmate he needs-a good partner and mother to the girls. Her attitude also reflects "Let's get things done". Being white, I don't quite understand how deep the meaning of this is, but watching the people's faces yesterday showed the victory the black man has accomplished. I'm anxious to come back a year from now and reflect on what has happened in the past year.
What a world we live in!

Losing a Child

I attended a memorial last Sunday afternoon for my neighbor's mother who I also worked for. Even though she was in her 80's and hadn't been well in recent days, her death was still difficult. After losing my son 15 years ago at the age of 7, time lessens the pain and the rough days become fewer and less intense. After Sunday, though, Philip's passing could have just been yesterday. It's amazing how all of it can come rushing back to the present in a matter of a few minutes or hours. Losing a child has to be one of the worst experiences a parent can have.

If you have lost a child, whether yesterday or years ago, no matter what the age or circumstance, I would like to hear about it and how you cope. I have written a book about this experience and hoping to get it into print soon. Please express your feelings here.