Pieces of Time and Pivotal Moments
Life is comprised of pieces of time sprinkled with pivotal moments. Sometimes these moments have immediate impact. Other times, they are slow to manifest and reveal their importance. But if you listen closely to the soft whispers of life, they will guide you on an unexpected journey filled with beauty, understanding and fulfillment. One such moment occurred for me about eight years ago.
On this particular day, I was helping my mom redo her bedroom. We rearranged the furniture, cleaned, polished and changed the curtains and bedding. Then out came the new floral arrangements, potpourri and matching candles. Proudly, we stepped back to admire our work. That's when Mom decided we needed a little atmosphere and she lit the candles.
Evidently, there was a residue of cleaning solution on her hands, because the moment she flicked the lighter, flames burst in the air. Large blisters instantly formed on her hands and she began to shake. As the tears rolled down her face, she looked up at me and whispered, "The children."
Those were her first words, not a cry, not a scream, not a curse ? "the children". I panicked. I though she was in shock. I hurried her into the bathroom to tend to her wounds but the blisters were so large she couldn't move her fingers. I realized I would have to take her to the doctor; I was also concerned about her state of mind. Her response seemed so strange. "Mom, what do you mean, the children?" I asked.
She looked up at me with the sweetest, most sympathetic tear-filled eyes I had ever seen. "The poor children who get burnt." Then she continued to explain, "I saw it on Oprah. If this is painful for me, how much pain would a child be in? I feel so sorry for them?what they must go through."
That was her answer. My mom had second and third degree burns, her hands were swollen, blistered and shaking, but her tears were for the children. Children she saw on Oprah. My thoughts were less pure. At that moment, I didn't care about anyone but her.
Four years ago this October, I lost my mom to cancer. True to her nature, she never complained during her illness. Not once. Even in her suffering, she taught me valuable lessons. One of these lessons came when we were in her hospital room waiting for test results. The doctor finally arrived, flew into the room, delivered his devastating news and then abruptly left.
I was shocked, hurt and angry all at the same time. I turned to my mother and said, "I hate him." She looked at me with her beautiful blue eyes and said, "That's not nice. He was just doing his job. Can you imagine how hard it must be for him to have to tell his patients bad news like that?"
Oh, Mom, you certainly were something.
In the years since I lost my mom, things have changed in many ways. There are sorrows and bittersweet longings, but her gentle lessons continue to touch my life and guide me.
Mom would be proud to know that my husband John and I recently published our first children's book. Although we originally set out to write an entertaining story about a boy with school troubles, I soon discovered that John was the victim of a school bully. He had buried the hurt and humiliation deep inside, but as we stepped further into the writing process, the impact of his experience was evident.
My mother's lessons taught me to listen closely to the soft whispers of life. This perspective helped me to realize that a message emerged from our collaboration, beyond the pages of our book. This knowledge changed the direction of our lives.
Our children's book became the basis for an anti-bullying program. The program, filled with stories, songs and practical advice, teaches children about the consequences of bullying and helps to provide a safe and healthy learning environment.
Today, as John and I speak at schools and community events, I pray that our pieces of time sprinkled with pivotal moments serve to help the children. Because now, I understand.
AWARENESS
Necks crane as innocent eyes follow my every move
Silent, enthralled children,
A captive audience
In the wake of their hushed response,
I hear the echo of my own words.
Anticipation looms
Awaiting an answer
A solution, an explanation,
I cannot provide.
I have let them down
For I can only share my story,
Not repair the social injustice that has befallen them.
They are victims,
As once was I
With only my experience to offer,
I silently pray to ease their anguish,
Whilst knowing I cannot.
About The Author
Patricia Gatto and John De Angelis are the authors of MILTON'S DILEMMA, the tale of a lonely boy's magical journey to friendship and self-acceptance. As advocates for literacy and children's rights, the authors speak at schools and community events to foster awareness and provide children with a safe and healthy learning environment. For more information, please visit Joyful Productions at http://www.joyfulproductions.com
 Google News Updated : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:08:57 GMT "Stand Up to Cancer" tops Friday ratings - Reuters
Reuters - By Paul J. Gough NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - The industrywide "Stand Up to Cancer" telethon averaged a modest 10.3 million viewers during its hour-long simulcast on ABC, NBC and CBS Friday. In a star-heavy telethon, Hollywood takes a stand on cancer 'Stand Up to Cancer' Raises $100M Plus Publ.Date : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:37:28 GMT Store eases baby bottleneck - Chicago Tribune
Chicago Tribune - When Georgette Finnie e-mailed What's Your Problem? on Aug. 25, she was 9 months' pregnant with her first child. The expectant mom had done some research about the baby bottles she had received as gifts through her baby registry at Babies "R" Us. Hot Docs: Defending Georgia, Girls Married by 15, the Chemical BPA ... That Plastic Baby Bottle Publ.Date : Sun, 07 Sep 2008 12:18:53 GMT Persistence pays off for Serena at US Open - FOXSports.com
FOXSports.com - by Matt Cronin, Special to FOXSports.com NEW YORK - About nine days after Serena Williams lost in the Wimbledon final to her elder sister, Venus, she was still killing herself, unable to shake her mind of the errors that came late in a contest that she ... Williams beats Jankovic for title, No. 1 ranking Winning US Open never gets old for Serena Williams Publ.Date : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:38:21 GMT McCain Leads Obama 50% to 46%, New Poll Finds, USA Today Reports - Bloomberg Bloomberg - By James Kraus Sept. 8 (Bloomberg) -- Republican presidential candidate John McCain leads Democratic contender Barack Obama by 50 percent to 46 percent among registered voters, according to a weekend USA Today/Gallup Poll, USA Today reported. Convention rejuvenates GOP US campaign sharpens as McCain takes poll lead Publ.Date : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:38:07 GMT Hurricane Ike Crosses Northeast Cuba After Landfall (Update1) - Bloomberg
Bloomberg - By Aaron Sheldrick and Demian McLean Sept. 8 (Bloomberg) -- Hurricane Ike is crossing Cuba after smashing into the northeast of the country with winds of 205 kilometers (125 miles) per hour, according to the US National Hurricane Center. Video: Raw Video: Ike's Harsh Impact on Turks and Caico Hurricane Ike set to batter Cuba Publ.Date : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 06:56:09 GMT New Zealand compromises on India nuclear deal - Xinhua
Xinhua - WELLINGTON, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand government said on Monday that it got the best deal it could on nuclear trade with India. Indian shares rise more than 4 pct early Indian rupee rises as stocks rally seen Publ.Date : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:36:42 GMT Fla. Keys residents weigh evacuation ahead of Ike - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - KEY WEST, Fla. (AP) - As a ferocious Hurricane Ike ripped across Cuba, residents from Key West to the Gulf Coast watched the storm's unpredictable path, worrying it could hit anywhere in the US from Texas to Florida. 'Hurricane fatigue' shows Louisiana still possibility for Ike Publ.Date : Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:20:42 GMT Web Site Traffic |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... I recall somewhere in the recesses of my aging brain... Read More There's a new kind of fun and calm out there... Read More We were all teens at one time for some many... Read More Sara loves pampering. Haircuts, facials, manicures, and makeup bring smiles,... Read More The ADD child exhibits a series of behaviors that are... Read More Children think money grows on trees. Maybe not literally, but... Read More Every parent wants their child to develop positive character traits.... Read More According to the American Sleep Association 70% of all babies... Read More Perhaps I could make a lot of money by founding... Read More According to a September 2004 study by the RAND Corporation,... Read More How can two or three children in the same family... Read More Most people with children want to be good parents. The... Read More We all know that using cloth nappies is best for... Read More Suppose that you rearrange your life to homeschool your child... Read More Lead is one of the most dangerous toxins a person... Read More In our last article about the neurology of ADHD we... Read More There are times when my ideas of raising a child... Read More Family decision-making is an intriguing phenomenon. Many factors become part... Read More If your parenting methods include abuse of any kind; physical,... Read More Sometimes a change of perspective can make a huge difference... Read More A certain educator was once asked at what point should... Read More Researchers have estimated that 25-35% of children in the United... Read More I was changing Ford's diaper the other day when he... Read More There are many parenting styles. Yours may be very different... Read More Does music need to be "dumbed-down" for kids? The answer... Read More
Adsense
websites
Son, Can I Use The Car Tonight?
The Better Behavior Wheel - A New Kind of Calm in the Family
Relate With Your Teen And Gain Their Trust
On Raising a Child with Disabilities: Sara & the Nail Salon
The ADD Child: Challenging Parents, Teachers and Friends
Is Your Child Ready For an Allowance?
Character Education
Three Tips to Get Children with Sleeping Problems Asleep
Wholism and Materialism
The Effects of Televised Sexual Content on Adolescents
Why First Borns Fuss, Seconds Are Resilient and Last Borns Like To Laugh
Do You Have the Loving Relationship With Your Children That You Desire?
Using Cloth Nappies
Homeschooling ? Is It Worth It?
How A Home Water Filter Can Reduce Your Child?s Risk Of Learning Disabilities
The Reticular Activating System, and its Role in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Difference
Breaking the Cycle of Emotional Blackmail
Is Your Discipline Damaging the Spirit of the Child?
Strong-willed Kids: Raising a Spirited Child
Your Job as a Role Model
Challenges for Our Children
Sometimes Our Childrens Questions Answer Our Own
Parenting - Give Your Child The Tools To Build Strong Character And Values
Jammin with Your Kids: The Wonderful World of Music
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Let Your Children Name the New Baby
Choosing a baby name is an important job, so make... Read More
Hair Care for Children
Salon visits can be scary experiences for small children: They... Read More
What Are Reasonable Expectations of a Child?
To have reasonable expectations of our children is an important... Read More
Fundraising For Your Preschool Or Daycare Center
Most day cares are non-profit organizations that must operate within... Read More
The Long Journey Home
Once upon a time, I thought I had it all.... Read More
10 Steps to School Year Success
One of the most important aspects of parenting, is ensuring... Read More
Parents Role in Helping with Car Wash Fundraisers
As a parent you will be asked to assist with... Read More
Because Every Child Is A Born Genuis
Graphology for Child development.:- Graphology is the science of understanding... Read More
Confident Children - Avoid Overparenting
For many years underparenting was perhaps the biggest problem facing... Read More
What Should I Know About Strattera for ADHD?
Strattera came out around January of 2003, and is becoming... Read More
Diet Sodas And How They Can Affect Kids
Many of us have grown up drinking caffeinated diet sodas... Read More
Five Ways To Build Super-Strong Relationships With Your Children
One of the questions I ask in parenting presentations is... Read More
What Are Your Children Really Watching?
Saturday mornings. Cold cereal and Scooby Doo. How many parents... Read More
Managing Your Stepfamily
If you are a member of a stepfamily, you know... Read More
Top 10 Ways to Motivate Your Student
As the new school year begins, parents play a pivotal... Read More
How To Entertain A Child While Working From A Home Office
There is no doubt that the benefits of being a... Read More
Handling Failure -- Teaching Kids How to Profit From It
There is nothing pleasant about failure, at least not at... Read More
Meningitis and Septicaemia
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain... Read More
Stroller Safety Tips
Strollers offer a wonderful and convenient service to parents and... Read More
Partnering With Your Daycare or Preschool
For the most positive daycare experience for your child, partner... Read More
The Secret, Unconscious Game Children and Parents Play Where No One Wins!
Did you know there's a game children and parents play... Read More
Confident Kids : Why Some Parents Should Carry a Health Warning
As a hypnotherapist, I am acutely aware of the power... Read More
Planning the Ultimate Kid Birthday Party
Child Party Planning Guideline #1)Pick the ThemeYour child is going... Read More
Marriage, Divorce, and Kids
Are men to blame for the divorce problem in this... Read More
A Child Can Make a Difference
Sometimes dreams really can come true! May 8th - 11th,... Read More
Parenting |