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Some of you know we did without TV (aside from videos) for some months.
(Still awaiting SSDI, so can't afford cable and didn't have the wherewithall
to figure out nor purchase a suitable antenna to get reception, as we're
partially underground here.)

In a particularly difficult time in my life, Ziggy visited (drove the
hundreds of miles), went to a local Radioshack and took care of the antenna
problem as well as whatever other problems he could help with while he was
here. No, we aren't an item/couple, however I will always love Ziggy
because he is and was a very genuine and all-around good guy who is earnest
in his desire to help people. Although he no longer posts here, I still
have the benefit of being able to talk with him on occasion and I treasure
him as a true friend.

So with the addition of TV comes the news. It seems like this month
especially has been plagued with every facet of horrible things that can
happen to children of all ages. And it brings to mind a class I took nearly
twenty years ago. The class was a government procurement class as that was
my career field briefly (until I realized I'd never be happy in that field),
but the teacher paused at the end of the class and said the following:

"I never know who is in these classes, but I address every class with the
same information anyway. If you have children at home, remember to tell
them that you love them and remember to hug them. There are evil forces in
this world that can separate us from our children or tempt our children to
make mistakes with permanent consequences. For that reason, I ask you all
to make it your business... your cause... to tell your children each day
before they leave for school that you love them and give them a hug, even if
they think it's stupid or 'uncool'. If you run across a child who isn't
yours, discreetly let them know that they are loved and that they matter.
It may be the only encouragement they receive for that day."

I couldn't tell you one tip/fact/regulation I learned from that class, but I
remember that brief speech the lady gave at the end of class. I was all of
maybe 20 and did not even have any children at that time. But I have made
it my business to send the girls off each day before school with a hug and
an "I love you" each day since they were of an age to go to daycare or
school. And I also have tried to heed the directive regarding kids that are
not my own (and recently Tiffanie has helped me with this by bringing
troubled friends to our home for sometimes hours, sometimes days, until it
was safe for them to return to their own homes. I will caution, however,
that it is not always an easy task to advocate with angry parents, but it is
always worthwhile. We have a particularly screwed up social service
situation in Kansas, as those services were privatized in the late nineties
and the inherent conflict of interest causes many children to be taken out
of the home without due cause so that social service employees and
contractors can keep their jobs... I am also becoming political... believe
it or not... to try to help effect change in this area...).

I'm also going to take a risk here and "out" someone in just a small
respect. There are several of you who take pains to give Crystal shit every
opportunity that comes along, whether she is posting or not. I asked
Crystal to help me with some research because I was having great difficulty
with concentration and research skills. I knew that she could put on the
"political hat" whereas I struggle greatly with doing so. Unlike me, she
didn't say, "Okay, when I'm feeling up to it, I will.", she just set to work
and found a multitude (understatement) of needed, completely revelant
research for me. I'd like the hecklers to consider that with Crystal, one
never need worry where one stands with her. She will tell you. Whether I
agree with her or not, whether I like to hear what she has to say or not, I
truly and honestly have a lot of respect and admiration for her because she
has never left me guessing... whether in battle or in times of peace.

So I guess I'd ask that you consider what the lady told us that day at the
end of class.

Barb, I know you are sensitive and this is NOT directed at you. Your
children are grown and I've read a bit of the thread where you are having
some problems with your grown children and I also realize that your mother
has done you dirty regarding (your children). You certainly deserve much
better. I mean that.

This is truly my response to what seems like an epidemic of horrors with
children across the nation of late and my hope that I can help the lady who
was teaching that day (and I hope she is still teaching) to spread the word.

Mary