tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44386301994672671022024-03-13T13:45:43.605-07:00A Woman Like MeRobin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-19649840563012275492017-11-21T07:33:00.000-08:002017-11-21T07:33:44.946-08:00Tenacity<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Tenacity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Persistence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Stick-to-it-tive-ness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Not my strong suit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Look at my weight loss journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Years upon years of tried/failed attempts, with pounds added onto pounds onto pounds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Look at my career journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Years upon years of hesitation to move into management, supervision, administration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Look at my writing journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So personal. Gut-wrenching. Long-suffering. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Yet I have been willing to put it all out there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Because what good is the struggle if there’s no lesson in it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s so much joy to be shared. Not to mention pain, heartache, pathos…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Am I transparent?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are any of us? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">I’m trying to get there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">I put my weight loss journey out there, warts and all. Finally a trip to Mexico to have my guts carved out of me seems to have provided the solution. I followed-up and followed-through. Cancer scares have a way of making you act…do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">I put my career journey out there, highs and lows together. Starting over, day after day, starting again, trying to make sense out of retirement and retooling or rethinking and rebooting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">And I’ve put my writing life out there. Turns out I’m another one who has a steel will. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">But what’s it all for?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Is the benefit all about me, me, me, or is there something greater at work in all of this angst, anxiety, and effort?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">The Lord put something on my heart a couple of weeks ago. I was reading and meditating on the Psalms…37 to be exact:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From David we hear a plea…trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Such precious promises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David gives us something powerful to cling to, hold on to, look forward to…with thanksgiving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The psalm is all about God’s provision. He provides all for all. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can dwell in this land and enjoy this safe pasture in the time and space that he provides. We can want for this and desire that, knowing that he will give us the desires of our hearts, in his time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can trust that he’ll give us a reward that shines like the dawn, and it probably has nothing to do with what seems important to us on this earth…it’s in the noonday that we’ll finally see his full, perfect, divine will. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am grateful this season…so grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the life he’s allowed me to live, the children he’s allowed me to raise, the grandchildren he’s allowed me to love, the friends he’s allowed me to cherish, the air and wind and water and trees…I am so grateful this season. May we all be tenacious in our thanksgiving…may we take nothing for granted and with persistence come before him with praise, praise, and more praise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Robin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-82785689054201659492017-08-12T09:45:00.001-07:002017-08-12T09:45:53.642-07:00Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzs_UNNRSi23fKttiHY2-VQEemORf9xungtWZjpDumN4fvqchihy7xS5rzX4HmGHMuALXRZeoAlH3NJXg7Fs96jlxO6BfvkKE9ElUYNU54qbXqxhtpwy-aU9Z6ZnpVMelRTqVP23GfiLb/s1600/Progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzs_UNNRSi23fKttiHY2-VQEemORf9xungtWZjpDumN4fvqchihy7xS5rzX4HmGHMuALXRZeoAlH3NJXg7Fs96jlxO6BfvkKE9ElUYNU54qbXqxhtpwy-aU9Z6ZnpVMelRTqVP23GfiLb/s320/Progress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
South.<br />
<br />
Things trended down when my doctor uttered a couple of words I didn't like. Cancer cells.<br />
<br />
And then, and then.<br />
<br />
He offered hope in the form of surgery, recovery, and a challenge.<br />
<br />
Hope is a funny thing. <br />
<br />
And so is irony.<br />
<br />
Years ago...I'm talking high school...I forgot to return a library book.<br />
<br />
Okay, forgot is a strong word. More like, refused. Because I liked a quote and kept it.<br />
<br />
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Thanks, Em.</div>
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Turns out, this life is all about traveling from hope to hope. It's the thing with feathers, perching inside us, ready to sing, never stopping...it's the thing that gets us from cancer cells to taking in the joy of his smile, her chatter, his silly riddles, their slap happy laughter. </div>
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I've spent the summer basically with my grandchildren. After a quick trip to Mexico to get most of my stomach removed, I've been healing, and hoping, and reaching for a firm grasp on what the rest of my life might be like P.C. Post cancer.</div>
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And it looks pretty good. Actually, it looks way past good. </div>
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I'm heading north, joy to joy. Getting younger every day. Not planning to stop at all.</div>
<br />Robin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-88352609441457649062017-01-03T15:33:00.000-08:002017-01-03T15:34:05.633-08:00A New Year--Full of Possibility<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Where does courage come from?<br />
<br />
I've submitted so many manuscripts to agents and publishers over the years, and have many more rejection letters than acceptance contracts.<br />
<br />
Don't call me ungrateful...<br />
<br />
Steel Will is still in the marketplace, and that makes me happy.<br />
<br />
Not Alone is still in the marketplace, and that makes me happy.<br />
<br />
Many of my journal articles are still out there.<br />
<br />
But the piece that I'm rooting for is the piece I'm working on right here, right now. <br />
<br />
It's like a new baby.<br />
<br />
I want to show it off to the world.<br />
<br />
I want others to ooh and aah at its beauty and wonder.<br />
<br />
I want it to change the way the reader thinks, feels, or views the world.<br />
<br />
Wishes and dreams surround my current work.<br />
<br />
Wishes and dreams.<br />
<br />
Thank you, friends, for your support.<br />
<br />
You've believed in me when I've had little faith of my own.<br />
<br />
Do I have something to say?<br />
<br />
When do you ever feel confident or competent in your ability to write? <br />
<br />
It's one of the few vocations that takes and takes and takes.<br />
<br />
Yet I can't set it aside.<br />
<br />
I can't not write.<br />
<br />
So I'll keep going.<br />
<br />
But would you cross your fingers for me?<br />
<br />
And maybe a few toes?<br />
<br />
Shout out a wish to a shooting star?<br />
<br />
Toss some salt over your shoulder?<br />
<br />
Kiss a penny?<br />
<br />
Thank you...you're what I'm grateful for...xoxRobin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-54063955947541268032016-11-02T17:05:00.001-07:002016-11-02T17:05:18.619-07:00Fall back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Teaching. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Part parenting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part discipling. Part wizardry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">It’s November.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">The time of year when teachers just get “tarred.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As in very, very “tired”…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">You see them in the hallways stifling a yawn. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">You see them dragging a duffel bag of lesson plans out of the trunk of their cars.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">You sit across from them in faculty meetings and their pencils pop the table about a hundred times a minute, a reflection of their long to-do list that’s been on hold since the school year began.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">It’s hard, fine work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Here’s the good news.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">You can help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">If you know a teacher, give him/her a word of encouragement. A letter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A card.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Better yet, a gift card. Nails. Sonic. Groceries. Movies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Relief.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">If you live with a teacher, back up and back off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not the time to fall on your sword over any issues/events/drama. </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Be a partner, not an adversary.</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Be her cheerleader.</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Her champion.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">And if you are a teacher, give yourself a break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">You will not save the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite all the bookmarks, Tweets, and Pinterest posts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">All the superhero stuff probably just feels like more and more pressure to you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Let yourself go to bed early or stay up late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Let go of your “perfectionist” tendencies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Show yourself a fraction of the love you show your students. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Teaching is an art, not a science.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite your best efforts, not all students are going to learn what you set in front of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Developmentally, they’re all different. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Just like you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">They’re ready or not ready.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">They’re learning today or learning tomorrow. They will learn. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">It takes time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">We’ve got time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">It’s November.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">...and p.s. don't forget you get to set your clocks back on Sunday!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
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Robin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-60264377029720281292016-10-22T09:52:00.001-07:002016-10-22T09:54:00.586-07:00Isn't she lovely?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1uLll2K7Xm1OOQ8wr1w_m27FkOa6VIuNFJorK-vohOyekQsq1IM3ILVjobj5M1jWa9upZ2vlP-sCoT1OmFQFtKH1vo3xGH7VjwGNA-OZV7v3GKQ8ygg3SmPokKvhkPJBiGruvtP-YATi/s1600/IMG_1010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1uLll2K7Xm1OOQ8wr1w_m27FkOa6VIuNFJorK-vohOyekQsq1IM3ILVjobj5M1jWa9upZ2vlP-sCoT1OmFQFtKH1vo3xGH7VjwGNA-OZV7v3GKQ8ygg3SmPokKvhkPJBiGruvtP-YATi/s320/IMG_1010.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
This is a picture of a sixteen-year-old girl on her wedding day. Virginia Isabel Brooks Mortensen Overby. She is my mother. She told me that right after this picture was taken in Valley City, North Dakota, her young soldier groom would lean over to kiss her, swerve onto the shoulder of a lonesome country road, and get ticketed by a police officer the only $50 they had. He was charged with reckless driving, but neither one of these two were ever reckless. Not a single day of their lives.<br />
<br />
My mother would spend the next 53 years married to her best friend, through many moves around the globe. She'd finally earn her high school diploma in Japan, after giving birth to her fourth child. She'd raise four children, love sixteen grandchildren, and welcome great-grandchildren into her world. She'd earn the respect and loyalty of hundreds of families and businesses who relied on her acumen in real estate. She'd fight breast cancer in her forties and win, play tennis in her fifties and win, and keep her revolving front door open for all of us to enter and depart. She'd knit and sew and paint and bake. She'd write and call and read and relate. She'd bury her beloved at Arlington National Cemetery after a terrible battle with throat cancer. And four years later, she would be laid to rest beside him, together once more.<br />
<br />
My mother was always, at her core, a homemaker. She shared that legacy with me, and with my children. She valued her role, yet was always her own person.<br />
<br />
I miss her every day.<br />
<br />
When I meet someone with eyes as blue as a summer sky, I think of her. I'll talk with a store clerk with smile wrinkles on her face, and I'll think of my mother's deep dimples. There's a tiny feisty funny lady who comes to church who makes me long for my mother so badly I want to cry. I see my mother's dry sense of humor in one daughter; her common sense in another. I see her devotion to family in my son; her sense of honor in my oldest child; her beauty in another.<br />
<br />
I was so lucky.<br />
<br />
Today I'll go to a Hallmark store and pick out a mushy card that I'll never mail. I'll reflect on all my mother gave me; none of it material. I'll offer up a prayer, and another, and another, that I was given the gift of a beautiful mother.<br />
<br />
If you have your mom on this earth today, go hug her, call her, reach out to her. One more time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Robin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-61015999293068934302016-08-10T07:24:00.001-07:002016-08-10T07:24:24.748-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fuGWcHoM5suFL0UU7s7mC7qu6-ZiZ24FvTmq6Wp-6Ix3TjSAfZqXOSSeAOapInLifEhdzjR6-TAapkDpEPBoihtug62u7Pcbn5tGnMOS1_gqRjnMec-xDlC5NPOOUShatHMTp9T4STKf/s1600/promise-quotes-love-great-sayings-quote-pictures-jpg-quotes-bOcTBK-quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fuGWcHoM5suFL0UU7s7mC7qu6-ZiZ24FvTmq6Wp-6Ix3TjSAfZqXOSSeAOapInLifEhdzjR6-TAapkDpEPBoihtug62u7Pcbn5tGnMOS1_gqRjnMec-xDlC5NPOOUShatHMTp9T4STKf/s320/promise-quotes-love-great-sayings-quote-pictures-jpg-quotes-bOcTBK-quote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Promises.<br />
<br />
It's what a new school year is all about.<br />
<br />
It starts with promises to myself.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I'll go to bed early.</li>
<li>I won't hit the snooze button.</li>
<li>I'll pack my lunch every day.</li>
<li>I'll stay positive.</li>
<li>I'll work as hard as I can. </li>
</ul>
<div>
Then I examine promises I make to others.</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>I will be there for you.</li>
<li>I will be there for you.</li>
<li>I will be there for you. </li>
<li>And you.</li>
</ul>
<div>
The new school year represents so many lavish opportunities that God places in our lives to be His hands and feet. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think about the little ones He's bringing back to us, or new children who've moved into our area over the summer, those we have not yet met. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I grieve over the students who will not be returning...thinking especially of a precious little boy who was killed in a car accident over the summer. Will all of our students return safe and sound?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I fret over students who will come back to us after a summer of neglect. Unless the school doors are open, they may be unfed, unsheltered, unloved. When they return to school, they need care immediately. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I worry over students who are anxious themselves about a new year, as they have difficulty with transitions. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I pray for our new teachers, who are about to embark on a life-changing year, a life-changing career. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A new school year is all about promises. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love that I work in a district that puts kids first, even when it's hard. There are so many demands on our time, our talents, our folks. Within a few short days, most of us will be stretched thin. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But we have this thing called faith. For so many who think they must go to church to find a Christian school, I would argue that search is incorrect. I have met more Christians in a public school than I've ever met in church. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And we have each other. Oh how we need the promises offered to each other. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
They take the form of the smile offered first thing you walk through the gauntlet of parents and kids in the morning. </div>
<div>
The pat on the back given wordlessly. </div>
<div>
The treat in your mailbox from an anonymous pal. </div>
<div>
The knowing glance when you pass each other in the hall. </div>
<div>
The hurried sigh offered during planning time. </div>
<div>
The affirmations given with no strings attached. The deep exhalation when you've taught bell to bell. The high five when the last bus pulls away.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A new school year is about promises offered, proferred, and fulfilled, one at a time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One day at a time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One student at a time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One.more.time. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Robin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-76226189358652307642016-05-04T18:11:00.000-07:002016-05-04T18:11:35.874-07:00Oh, teacher...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLsuEnOmIi82xtrOTb5vwTJIQO4kcrJUVrP0RSKVqfCBhEiQ_l1RygXEWr_vp10-LFYCNgrLnM7QZQgeNm0SmH4ch7uW_ksUlxG3ZmaBWWIP6J8XYSdAmKxL66DJcSaPvLHCSRz0OPy8K/s1600/Inspirational-Quotes-For-Teacher-Appreciation-Week-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLsuEnOmIi82xtrOTb5vwTJIQO4kcrJUVrP0RSKVqfCBhEiQ_l1RygXEWr_vp10-LFYCNgrLnM7QZQgeNm0SmH4ch7uW_ksUlxG3ZmaBWWIP6J8XYSdAmKxL66DJcSaPvLHCSRz0OPy8K/s320/Inspirational-Quotes-For-Teacher-Appreciation-Week-9.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Teacher Appreciation Week is here once again, and I've been trying to show my appreciation to the teachers who've supported our library so well this school year. Our school has been without a librarian for several years, and I was tasked with making the library a vibrant learning hub once again. We're not there yet, but we're well on our way. I decided to hold my classes this week without the teachers...normally they're required to stay so that we can collaborate on lessons or in order for teachers to assist their students as they search for "the right book" each week. But this week I sent them away so their students could write and record the reasons their teachers are special to them. I've seen lots of stick figures, hearts, flowers, and sentiments like, "You're the best teacher," or "Thank you for making me ready for the test..." Our children are so ready and willing to spill the beans about what their teachers mean to them.<br />
<br />
I have a couple of literature circles going at any given time, and while students worked in the library on their teacher appreciation letters, I had to break away to meet with one of my literature circles. The group of fourth graders discussed the last few chapters of a novel we're reading, <i>Crenshaw</i>, by Katherine Applegate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvvthi1QIEo8s7ahWsrzQ4ycY41WuYaSU4UQsaPNeB-IiGT03YXfa_2pgec-VU-qeeZj2sDaNS1i60_K4JWePo1f6bav04AOTOkqc7pfO-afJ7neF9z_MIkJXWg-jSwL9kEp6W6v3Pfuy/s1600/Crenshaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvvthi1QIEo8s7ahWsrzQ4ycY41WuYaSU4UQsaPNeB-IiGT03YXfa_2pgec-VU-qeeZj2sDaNS1i60_K4JWePo1f6bav04AOTOkqc7pfO-afJ7neF9z_MIkJXWg-jSwL9kEp6W6v3Pfuy/s320/Crenshaw.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the book, the main character, Jackson, is dealing with his family's financial issues by inventing an imaginary friend. It happens to be a huge, black and white cat who shows up during critical emotional passages in Jackson's life. Jackson is embarrassed by the idea that he has this friend he calls Crenshaw, but he needs the connection in order to handle the difficulties of his father's MS, his family's homelessness, and his need for meaningful friendships at school. As we read through the novel, we have done a lot of vocabulary work. Some of our students have a limited lexicon; there are many words we've encountered in the novel that are unfamiliar and we've done quite a lot of detailed work with understanding context clues to discern meaning. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today we had a term I wasn't sure they'd understand, so I'd highlighted it in my mind. "Final Notice of Eviction" was the term, and as we reached that phrase in the paragraph, I paused for understanding. The word final was clear; the word notice was clear; but I expected some questions about eviction. Not necessary. Each student was completely familiar with that experience. As I listened to their stories and followed the connecting threads that had become a part of this rugged tapestry called childhood, I thought of their teachers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When you teach at a school that is classified as Title I, and that school is labeled with "poverty issues", teachers must do so much more than teach. They offer more than an academic scope and sequence. For teachers in Title I schools, the school day is full of diverse and challenging moments. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Safety. Security. Stability.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Day in and day out, our teachers show up. For the most part, they are not absent. When they're sick or sick and tired, or when their children are sick or sick and tired, they don't stay home. They come to school. They know that a day away from campus may threaten the very stability that their students have learned to trust. They arrive early and stay late. Each weekend they're quizzing each other via social media to see when "the building will be open" so they can go to school to work. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They talk the talk and walk the walk, offering both leadership and friendship.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm very proud of the job they're doing; I'm proud of the job we're doing. The teachers around me make me proud to be part of this profession. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As the week concludes, I'll convey my appreciation with my own letters and words, just like their students, but I have so much more to say than what I can fit on a card or in a sound byte. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These teachers, they're changing the world. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One child at a time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What they do is important. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Vital.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Critical.</div>
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Their pay will never be commensurate with what they give.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What they offer our kids is priceless.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm proud to know them. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Oh child, would you give me your smile, your burden, your story </i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>and trust me with the treasure of who you are?</i></span> </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Robin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-31759065952224264602016-02-28T13:33:00.000-08:002016-02-28T13:33:55.134-08:00107<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakllLCzxD15fukvsA5aLDZ9j4QesmLafX1x1xGVhVNOpBn9pU0TE_dqTmVJkJfqHXADNKz-Tf-YYjjk6nT52hzV861-RMuq-dem_laKpg4RZ5bNYWF4evdHlS33gNRi5DqV638dKtVLkV/s1600/Ice+cream+with+Dr.+Ibarra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakllLCzxD15fukvsA5aLDZ9j4QesmLafX1x1xGVhVNOpBn9pU0TE_dqTmVJkJfqHXADNKz-Tf-YYjjk6nT52hzV861-RMuq-dem_laKpg4RZ5bNYWF4evdHlS33gNRi5DqV638dKtVLkV/s640/Ice+cream+with+Dr.+Ibarra.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It was a simple request, actually.<br />
<br />
Read enough books to earn ten points. If you're a first grader, that means you'll need to read at least 20 picture books. If you're a fourth or fifth grader, you'll need to read at least one solid chapter book. But you get to pick. <br />
<br />
Just do the reading.<br />
<br />
By mid-month, we had some interest. We could tell there were a few kids working toward the goal.<br />
<br />
Ice cream with the principal-- Dr. Ibarra. That's all we were offering.<br />
<br />
The momentum picked up. A couple of teachers started an after-school book club, and students were staying late with their teachers for an hour just to read. They'd come to the library, pick up dozens and dozens of books, then go back to class to read. <br />
<br />
Children came to the library two and three times a day, all smiles, working towards the goal. <br />
<br />
By the start of this week, I knew we were in trouble. We were going to be buying a lot of ice cream.<br />
<br />
On Tuesday we had 53 children who met the goal.<br />
<br />
I published an update on who was earning the reward; who was "close" to meeting the challenge.<br />
<br />
My friend and I went to the Mexican market and bought a pinata. Covered up the "Minions" motif with our own designs--pictures of ice cream cones and reworked with the words "Ice Cream with Dr. Ibarra". Hoping to generate some extra excitement on celebration day. We kept the pinata a secret. It was going to be a "bonus" reward.<br />
<br />
By Thursday, we did a final count: 107 children surpassed all of our expectations.<br />
<br />
On Friday afternoon, my partner in crime and library assistant, Laura Cisneros, walked outside and tossed her son's lead rope over the widespread branches of the oak tree, dangling that big, gaudy pinata in the middle of a circle of almost giddy children. <br />
<br />
We passed out fudge pops, ice cream sandwiches, dream sickles of all kinds. Our students stood in a huge, wide circle, talking and chatting with each other in the sunlight.<br />
<br />
The students with the highest reading totals earned the privilege of striking the pinata first, while the whole crowd of children sang:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dale, dale dale,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No pierdas el tino;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Porque si lo pierdes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pierdes el camino.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Go, go, go,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't lose your aim;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because if you lose it </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You will lose the path. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A prophetic song, actually.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Go, go, go young readers. Don't give up, or you'll lose your path. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Children who'd read dozens of books took aim at the pinata, wielding the big stick into the air, trying to burst it wide open, one after another. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Finally, I asked our principal to do the deed. With a blindfold over his eyes, he cracked the tar out of that pinata, and 107 children rushed to capture the treasure.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was just a simple request: read.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Please read.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Just read. We're not going to tell you how or what. You decide. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Just read. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We know the future will be bright and full of promise if this one skill is developed...practiced...honed. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As a reader, you can achieve, you can lead, you can change your world and perhaps even change ours.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's all we wanted our students to glean from this incentive. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
107 children figured it out. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's pretty simple, actually.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
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Robin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-780242243636552842016-01-13T18:18:00.002-08:002016-01-13T18:18:59.353-08:00Beauty nearest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yDrn2m-zgt9RqEs3nP_FDQgP3tF8iQ812_-NM9zoTGeWShyphenhyphenovbcHMDEr-bV1_eHPJCyUr81qghauSVwjg_JAZbkxMVaBOjpsWeN8Q-95neHmWu1dlUDF2qGdh5V-vchmzGY-tOvniGiv/s1600/childs+eyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yDrn2m-zgt9RqEs3nP_FDQgP3tF8iQ812_-NM9zoTGeWShyphenhyphenovbcHMDEr-bV1_eHPJCyUr81qghauSVwjg_JAZbkxMVaBOjpsWeN8Q-95neHmWu1dlUDF2qGdh5V-vchmzGY-tOvniGiv/s320/childs+eyes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“When we love, we always strive to become
better than we are. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When we strive to become better than we are, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">everything around us becomes better too.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">– </span><strong><i><span style="font-family: Papyrus; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Paulo Coelho<o:p></o:p></span></i></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Teaching is a creative art; it is the finest work I
know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And last week, I was given a small
gift that demonstrates why I stay rooted and grounded in this profession.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a short, simple story, but moved me
quite profoundly.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My principal had this idea:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he wanted to give every child in school a
book for Christmas, and he wanted the book to be on each child’s reading level
so s/he could actually read it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We set
about creating the book order;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it took a
little time and I’m sure it was not as accurate as it could have been, but we
purchased a book for each child in grades pre-K through 5<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Children were asked to enjoy the book over the
holidays, but as an added incentive to read, our principal asked children to
create a “brown bag book report”—writing a summary of the book and placing 5
objects in the bag that represented some aspect of the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they followed these instructions, they’d be
rewarded with special time with him-together they’d play Loteria (Mexican Bingo)
when they returned to school after the holidays.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Over 140 children brought their brown bags to
school after Christmas. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let that sink
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s a great response for children
who had the option of creating the project. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea was a hit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We held the first session of Loteria with
pre-kindergarten students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The little
group of 9 children entered the library with their small brown bags, and the
principal asked them to share their stories with each other. They excitedly
told each other about what they read. <o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then our principal shared his own brown bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told the students that he read <i>The
Alchemist</i> by Paul Coelho.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve read
the book, and I instantly felt sorry for the man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought, “Oh my goodness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are pre-kindergarten students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re never going to understand the book he
wants to present.”<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXM9LwWyXM-f4_uqbRKEBshMM2i5TZiJr89WXA4zUHnpBonWoB9nt8UwMHk_i0Fi1oblqGNx8I0gUfRyXt8oTo7UQHiT34hPPW0rF2o-5OeqL9V7WG1hx02eS6hv7g5-SsuSCiEOhPR81G/s1600/the-alchemist-gn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXM9LwWyXM-f4_uqbRKEBshMM2i5TZiJr89WXA4zUHnpBonWoB9nt8UwMHk_i0Fi1oblqGNx8I0gUfRyXt8oTo7UQHiT34hPPW0rF2o-5OeqL9V7WG1hx02eS6hv7g5-SsuSCiEOhPR81G/s320/the-alchemist-gn.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then the magic happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He begins to pull various items out of his bag…a
map to signify Santiago’s journey- the shepherd boy who would need to travel
all the way to the Egyptian pyramids in pursuit of mysterious riches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shares a compass, to demonstrate the many
twists and turns of Santiago’s journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Out of his brown bag, he pulls his beautiful gold watch, to explain that
Santiago wanted the alchemist to help him find riches like gold, crystal, and
precious treasures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Finally he asks our students to look at the last
treasure in the bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a compact mirror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And our principal opens the mirror, asking
each little four or five year old child to look in the mirror to see the
treasure.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Eyes wide, each child finds in the mirror, an image
of himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Our principal walked around the group, giving each boy and girl an opportunity to find his own reflection. </span></span></strong><strong><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;">One little girl held her cheeks beneath her little palms and exclaimed, “Are you kidding me,” awed that <i>she</i> was the treasure.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oh the beauty of that moment brought me to tears.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Teachable moments are fleeting, despite the fact
that we spend nearly eight hours a day in a classroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this was indeed a teachable moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that library, at that moment, nine little
ones knew without a doubt that the treasure Santiago sought was the same one we
all seek—to know our own value.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Small lessons with profound beauty are the reason I
stay in this profession. In this classroom. In this school system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul Coelho wrote, </span></strong><strong><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“</span></strong><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The simple things are also
the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so grateful for the wisdom supplied in
moments like these. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Remember that wherever your heart is, there
you will find your treasure.” </span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">―</span><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/566.Paulo_Coelho"><b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Paulo
Coelho</span></b></a><span style="background: white; color: #181818;">, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/4835472"><b><span style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">The Alchemist</span></b></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
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Robin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-67917848122955849772015-12-10T19:31:00.001-08:002015-12-10T19:31:32.994-08:00Merry Christmas...or not<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvu7Gy_6NHRy3CiIxuuncj8l-8Y9qHaovUVI0KyndsRb1slzGdKFjlOc3yaEz-3JXHCp3PSm_D9jhUVzgI6xiEEZx9kdvIvkq4iLp7y-UvrTJAyv6XYHJYNb-nQEgel-Snsd-IpJf070N/s1600/Santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvu7Gy_6NHRy3CiIxuuncj8l-8Y9qHaovUVI0KyndsRb1slzGdKFjlOc3yaEz-3JXHCp3PSm_D9jhUVzgI6xiEEZx9kdvIvkq4iLp7y-UvrTJAyv6XYHJYNb-nQEgel-Snsd-IpJf070N/s200/Santa.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I wish I was a mind reader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then I might really know what to do here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m in over my head. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve spent my professional career as an educator at Title I
schools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Title I means that a big chunk of
the population we serve has high needs in critical areas—our students may lack basic
necessities like adequate food, shelter, support. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For twenty-five years, I’ve served children on antiquated
campuses as well as kids romping around brand new school yards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve taught school in Georgia, Germany,
Indiana, Florida, Texas, and California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve worked with little ones and big ones, of all shapes, sizes, ethnicities,
and exceptionalities, not unlike most educators I know. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Children have surrounded me in classrooms equipped with
every tool and with no tools. I think I can reach and teach anywhere. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My own children will tell you that I teach even
when my pupils don’t want to be taught.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But this year…oh this year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m posted on a campus that is distinguished by labels that
we don’t like—100% free and reduced lunch; 100% poverty; “academically
unacceptable”; in “academic recovery” …labels that say very little about what’s
going on behind each classroom door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m surrounded by committed teachers as well as
newbies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the first year for most of us to serve on this campus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we’re all in over our heads. We were all
placed here for a reason. I was posted here to see if maybe a robust library
program could impact learning, along with many other initiatives. Everyone’s
working hard, staying late, striving to set up “rigorous learning”
opportunities that will help us make the mark. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The jury’s still out on how we’re doing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The decision about “what works” is still hanging in the
balance and will swing like a pendulum until state testing is complete later
this spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then maybe some of the
labels will come off. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But despite my years of teaching experience, I’m still
learning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it turns out, I’m still naïve
about what poverty means. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many of our students are part of a silent neighborhood.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They live in “have not” homes or neighborhoods, silently going without. I don’t want to
disregard those families that are making ends meet. Some kids are just fine;
their parents and extended families are providing all they can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s the “have nots” that keep us awake
at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Backpacks of food are sent home several times a month with five year olds or ten
year olds, whoever needs the help–just to insure there’s
food at the house when they’re not at school. Clothing is
provided as needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eye exams are
conducted and new glasses show up on faces ready to learn. Paper, pencils, notebooks, shoes...all free as needed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And yet. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These kids need something that money can’t actually buy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Security.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day after day, I’ll prepare to teach and start a lesson focused on my
objectives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my mind, I'm running down the checklist of the many things I want
to teach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Language arts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Digital literacy. Databases and information
power kind of stuff. 21st Century learner sorts of things. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But over and over I get stopped in my tracks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By children who can’t read because
no one’s home or literate enough to help them practice. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By kids who have grown lethargic about their
own success. By children who are so new to this country that they've yet to assimilate one language, much less two. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With the countdown for Christmas beating like a drum, I hear from children with
wish lists that bear no resemblance to those of my grandchildren…kids who want
one thing, or two, knowing that neither item will probably show up on Christmas
morning or any other day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I get stunned.every.day. by kids who say things like, “I get
to see my dad in prison on Christmas Eve…” and behind those eyes that sparkle
there’s a pain, a pain that I can hardly comprehend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Today a nine-year old wrapped up two paper bookmarks we gave
him and tucked them in his pocket—Christmas presents for his “granny” when she
gets out of jail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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A fourth grader asks me, “Did you read my essay?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s about my sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s an angel now.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">A fifth grader has given up trying to get to school most days. It's hard to comprehend if he's lazy or hopeless. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">A kindergartener hangs on my every word, like I'm magic because I've told her I like her dress.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This one needs a tissue; that one needs breakfast; another just wants to be seen and will act out every which way to get attention, uncaring of whether it's positive or negative. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know what to do here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m in over my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hug them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I welcome them. I hold them and high five them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell them to work hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I say that words will make them strong and
powerful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it lip service?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is what we’re doing making any difference? Do
I need to say, “Be tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get over it.
Do the work?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Feeling sorry for these kids will get them nowhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s the proverb-give a man a fish and he’ll
eat for a day;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>teach him to fish and he’ll
eat for a lifetime?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But is it fair to
expect kids to fathom such wisdom?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve
colluded to give our kids the fish and teach them how at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we try to prevent an “entitlement”
mentality, isn’t every child entitled to warm clothes, food, a fish? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the end of the day, I feel like an alien in this
environment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I work with children whose life stories are foreign to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They deal with issues that are
completely out of my control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I say
goodbye at the end of the day, I can think of very little to say. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“See you tomorrow!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Read a book!” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Be safe!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the truth is, most of the time, I am at a loss for
words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When a teacher told me her students cried at dismissal before
Thanksgiving break and I asked her why, she said they told her, “We don’t want
to go home. We want to be with you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I find myself picking up my jaw and closing my mouth nearly
every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I read them fairy tales, yet the</span> stories I hear are far
from it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
For Christmas, I’d like these children to live the fairy tale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d like them to peer out their frosty
windows, gazing at bright stars in the night sky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I want them to hear j</span>ingle bells and sleigh bells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I'd like them to be awed by the straw </span>in the manger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shepherds keeping watch. Wise men on the way.
I want them to wait on Rudolph and all his four-legged friends to land on their
rooftops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I long for them to have a
pitcher of milk and cookies all ready for the big jolly guy to skinny down
their chimneys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'd like them to rise from cozy beds on Christmas morning, to find an overstuffed stocking and an obnoxious pile of toys, regardless of where they land on the
naughty or nice lists.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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A fairy tale merry Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d love that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'd ask the big guy if he could also throw in a return of innocence. No lack. Just love. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
But I know, I'm in over my head.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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I want so much more for them than what Santa can provide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
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Robin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-36042123466183309702015-10-23T18:20:00.000-07:002015-10-23T18:20:01.561-07:00For Chris...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvl16YAoN1QoLRp9i5-eR2MZdSTaUayypRj6mMb43eoMqx7GakbicKHGsbC8CXgV8KBwybSVD8QoXQg_kf0vQcs64-27sjKrsXS2VMHCHX8wXKScRNwqDBaGfaywxQbCeXKOCYDoMR3kxY/s1600/rider_henry_orne-waves_crashing_on_rocks_at_shore-OMa37300-10424_20120215_L6BC_2458393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvl16YAoN1QoLRp9i5-eR2MZdSTaUayypRj6mMb43eoMqx7GakbicKHGsbC8CXgV8KBwybSVD8QoXQg_kf0vQcs64-27sjKrsXS2VMHCHX8wXKScRNwqDBaGfaywxQbCeXKOCYDoMR3kxY/s1600/rider_henry_orne-waves_crashing_on_rocks_at_shore-OMa37300-10424_20120215_L6BC_2458393.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Comfort<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Oh
that I could comfort you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">With
words that would contain<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
length and width and breadth of peace<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">To take
away your pain…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
there is<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">No
way around<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">only
through.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Be brave…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Move
those muscles long dormant from blessings falling rich and often.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Take
nothing for granted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Not
this day, nor hour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Not
this way, nor path.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Be
exposed…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Inhale
this moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It is what it is. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As
surely as the waves crash against a beaten shore<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Peace
will come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Wait
for it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
will come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
will come for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-1N28HHIQbpI6Q3MBKXd_TZOedrd-AxHi8i8UnryLZrqqi729PIMnE6MZJtOK6amn-72FfEKHgi_dXN42jVFtRirJcGy3TSy676WhJc2uSdasKQ-Gff85ZyecJ04g3y6cx8eacG5jX_e/s1600/waves+peaceful.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-1N28HHIQbpI6Q3MBKXd_TZOedrd-AxHi8i8UnryLZrqqi729PIMnE6MZJtOK6amn-72FfEKHgi_dXN42jVFtRirJcGy3TSy676WhJc2uSdasKQ-Gff85ZyecJ04g3y6cx8eacG5jX_e/s320/waves+peaceful.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Robin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-14450259464874515952015-10-11T11:30:00.000-07:002015-10-12T10:42:06.899-07:00Not Alone: Finding the Love of Your Life<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsgHx9epga1k4595AxcuKBTEIz7oFdEyVewrehOamo-PCOu2a_EJ_ckxDi7J_TdPZu59Fx9ATCPo-qAgLWEG3Ii-6KWIipyZ6Mj3HADGF7T8sJp9V1kI4rhjO-A18VqvSJXgaePnU3iRM/s1600/Preview+of+%25E2%2580%259CNot+Alone+by+Russ+Murphy%25E2%2580%259D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsgHx9epga1k4595AxcuKBTEIz7oFdEyVewrehOamo-PCOu2a_EJ_ckxDi7J_TdPZu59Fx9ATCPo-qAgLWEG3Ii-6KWIipyZ6Mj3HADGF7T8sJp9V1kI4rhjO-A18VqvSJXgaePnU3iRM/s320/Preview+of+%25E2%2580%259CNot+Alone+by+Russ+Murphy%25E2%2580%259D.jpg" title="Not Alone: Finding the Love of Your Life" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">For the past twelve months, I have met with a man named Russ Murphy
to collaborate on a book he was born to write. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His wife of forty years, Saralyn, had passed away suddenly, just four
months earlier, and he was bereft. But more than that, he was brave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted to inhabit his grief. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">I
understood from firsthand experience that there’s a geography to grief; it’s a
layered terrain that treks through ridges, peaks, and valleys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also understood that our Savior and
Creator could equip us for the journey, if we would only yield to His heart and
surrender to His will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Russ did that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
willing to surrender, to go wherever that grief journey would take him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kept a travelogue of sorts on
Facebook, posts that his readers and he called “Not Alone.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all looked forward to reading what
Russ had to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not because it
was entertaining and not because we were voyeurs on his journey, but because he
was so transparent, and willing to share what the Holy Spirit revealed to him
along the way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">A singer and
songwriter as well as a pastor, minister, and servant, Russ created his own
little rituals of mourning, trying to find his way around a prayer circle on
his living room floor. His near daily routine of sharing his remembrances and
discoveries via social media became a liturgy of sorts, and many who waited for
his posts experienced healing and recovery on their own grief journeys.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">As we started our manuscript trek, I wanted to understand how different
cultures deal with loss. Each society or community has its own sacraments, traditions,
and beliefs about what happens to the departed, or what happens to the living.
I thought if I wanted to truly help Russ write his story, I needed to
understand grief in a new way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Confucius directed his followers who were grieving to live in
austerity for twelve months; unshaven for forty days.Thank </span><span style="line-height: 200%;">God, thank <i>my</i>
God, Russ was not asked to do the same; no amount of facial hair could
have assuaged his pain and he told me from the very start</span><span style="color: red; line-height: 200%;">,</span><span style="line-height: 200%;"> personal grooming was a huge challenge in the beginning stages of
his grief, when he did not want to put one foot in front of the other.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">In the Asian tradition, he might have buried Saralyn in her
warmest clothing—her sweats, her thick, wooly socks, her red scarf.
Interred in a watertight casket, there would have been no risk her body
would be exposed to the elements. The Japanese speak of mourners as “sinking in
grief” and Russ has known the desperation of sadness like quicksand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Had Russ been a Buddhist or Taoist, his grieving might have been
stoic, internal; an impossible task for this Caucasian man who wept openly and
often, grieving his loss. He might have penned calligraphic poems and left them
for Saralyn, alongside incense or sacrifices, creating a shrine to his bride.
Instead he wrote her love songs, and sang them to her or the Lord,
whispering when grief tightened his vocal cords and made singing painful and
impossible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Hindus allot thirteen days for grief, to sacrifice flowers and
fruits and water to gods and gods and gods. No flower, no peach, no plum,
no earthen vessel could have been left on an altar to lessen the grief this man
endured. Thirteen days of grief would not cut it; he learned only too well there is no
timetable, no calendar for sadness or sorrow or healing. He will be the
first to tell you his grief was no greater or less than another; but it was
intensely personal and intimate and would fit in no predictable box. </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1wOzTtAF2sASSw4zYqepIETWy7I2DboxoYatpA9kaaEDc8qbKa1mdgNn30Emmz_0BQNS0c4-WkyZlS6VnsdvD3QFVk_E1Yqf0_JIAS4PF5a3Qv39FW9kazQFu8nOnoS9_PMq4AQ5dBOv/s1600/Hindu+burial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1wOzTtAF2sASSw4zYqepIETWy7I2DboxoYatpA9kaaEDc8qbKa1mdgNn30Emmz_0BQNS0c4-WkyZlS6VnsdvD3QFVk_E1Yqf0_JIAS4PF5a3Qv39FW9kazQFu8nOnoS9_PMq4AQ5dBOv/s320/Hindu+burial.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Had Russ and Saralyn shared their faith in the Native American
tradition, Russ might have buried some token of his love with Saralyn to
symbolize the circle of their lives. He could have asked a spiritual
leader or Medicine Man to moderate her death service, beseeching his ancestors
to join Saralyn in making her transition into the afterlife. As a Native
American, he would have embraced the belief her spirit would inhabit the land
to which his loved one returned. Instead, Saralyn inhabited the heartland deep
inside his soul, and he kept her memory safe and sacred as he mourned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOB6Kcfca_uOZeNud84WNk6jAFGsJyNCdTH_dnjzfTruaHClYXawpMmfdUtjNnbEWJX4cgsDiPZHT1JtdWoqYGbF3CCxmm17s1TCscjJGu1pF5miSUOk-WgI0GIUUOwoRiAvSmuYVeJLy/s1600/Native+American+burial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOB6Kcfca_uOZeNud84WNk6jAFGsJyNCdTH_dnjzfTruaHClYXawpMmfdUtjNnbEWJX4cgsDiPZHT1JtdWoqYGbF3CCxmm17s1TCscjJGu1pF5miSUOk-WgI0GIUUOwoRiAvSmuYVeJLy/s320/Native+American+burial.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">If Russ and Saralyn shared the Catholic faith, he would have
kneeled next to her sacred heart, buried now deep inside his own. He
would have sat through mass, participating in the sacraments of anointing and
last rites, rosary beads spilling through his long fingers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Had they both been born into the Jewish tradition, when Saralyn
left this earth</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">,</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"> Russ might have sat shiva or recited the
Kaddish for as many days as it would have taken to learn to let go and leave
his grief behind. No music, no flowers, he might have stood silently
above her burial box, dropping dry soil atop the plot where she waited for a
Jesus she’d never met. But Russ knew Jesus well, and Saralyn had shown
him only too fully what a friend we have in Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPajqz1ORIj9oDax0Pxfw-8zSozAdM21rxxezwpNs8OTSLyIYjtMv679bR2bguFDvNbh3Zr8OTCTxUCUHQ3_TqKsKVtl7UJb5BKSyaje1_brp_Qytdj-kFlDD6iNv8n3b05xTajNZZVVQ/s1600/Jerusalem_Herzl%2527s_Grave.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPajqz1ORIj9oDax0Pxfw-8zSozAdM21rxxezwpNs8OTSLyIYjtMv679bR2bguFDvNbh3Zr8OTCTxUCUHQ3_TqKsKVtl7UJb5BKSyaje1_brp_Qytdj-kFlDD6iNv8n3b05xTajNZZVVQ/s320/Jerusalem_Herzl%2527s_Grave.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Russ has shown me, through his journey, that our Lord, Jesus
Christ, meets us at our point of need, each and every step of the way.
While every faith, every religion, has its own rituals of mourning, as
Christians we are allowed, for a brief moment, to enter into the suffering of
our Lord when we experience our own grief. When we weep, He not only
tastes the bitter or sweet of our tears, but He stores each teardrop in a jar.
For some of us, that container is a huge earthen vessel. For
others, it’s a small vial. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Would that we could go through life with no sorrow, no grief, no tears.
Yet what would love be like if such a feat were possible? To lose,
to experience great loss, is to understand how deeply we may choose to
love. Russ discovered that his powerful love for Saralyn resulted in a
profoundly difficult grief passage. As he traversed that path, our Lord
allowed him to discover new love, proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is
merciful, good, and worthy to be praised, even as Saralyn left her footprints
in the stars. </span><span style="font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%;">As it turns out, grief is hard-wired into creation. Even a
bird will weep, searching over and over for its lost love. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Russ and I met month after month to revise, edit, review, and refine the lessons he received. I interviewed his friends, his family, witnesses to what kind of life he'd lived and was learning to live without Saralyn. There were twists and turns that no one expected. Yet these events showed Russ all he really needed to know. His Lord, Jesus Christ, through the holy Father, would
show him the way, when there was no other way. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGd0Ectcu5p3DmYBdmZM5-e9QBy5wRul-xbkTeRe3ifr_27MugsffXl6UzQ0xtZgzc5al_0tcRwpVS63m6DxqEauemPXFaN9GFj3iZ4Q5xyAelEnfXZA6hHB_IKn13_CNyePXQy9IAWWz/s1600/cross-66700_150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGd0Ectcu5p3DmYBdmZM5-e9QBy5wRul-xbkTeRe3ifr_27MugsffXl6UzQ0xtZgzc5al_0tcRwpVS63m6DxqEauemPXFaN9GFj3iZ4Q5xyAelEnfXZA6hHB_IKn13_CNyePXQy9IAWWz/s400/cross-66700_150.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">As we finished the final pages of this manuscript, I
understood that something very profound had transpired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Russ wanted to share his journey
quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t want to wait to
find a conventional publisher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
wanted to put his words in print within days or weeks, not months or
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted you to have what
he has:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a keen understanding of our faith after it’s been battered and torn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">I want you to buy his book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know it will change you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It changed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I want
you to share it with as many others as you can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not because we want it on the New York Times Bestseller's list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> But b</span>ecause we want the insights Russ
received to reside in you, the way they have begun to reside in us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">There is a way to heal from grief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a way to live that is not only right and good, but amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Find out for yourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">We are not alone…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 18.5pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.notalonebyrussmurphy.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Order Your Copy of Not Alone</span></a></div>
</div>
Robin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-64009390171313917792015-09-29T19:42:00.000-07:002015-09-29T19:42:06.057-07:00Family Time<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipA5BrPPkd6qLjTKHh8TRbB-DNYeqaxMOEWGD59SsMWhIYKk-48iaUe4w09I9w_323vaYMZscmdhqICJ_UPNI59AbrBCn1AcltlBRSQuYXHZTzAF4FUL7bf_tthFaLKu5auPQ_9nzoJQab/s1600/Orange+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipA5BrPPkd6qLjTKHh8TRbB-DNYeqaxMOEWGD59SsMWhIYKk-48iaUe4w09I9w_323vaYMZscmdhqICJ_UPNI59AbrBCn1AcltlBRSQuYXHZTzAF4FUL7bf_tthFaLKu5auPQ_9nzoJQab/s320/Orange+6.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ve just returned from four wonderful days of family
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was wonderful to be
together, but it was also in turn wonderfully messy, wonderfully confusing,
wonderfully funny, wonderfully tense, and wonderfully diverse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you put sixteen people with different
thoughts, opinions, desires, and expectations together under one roof for 96
hours, it’s bound to be messy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
beautiful part of being in a family is that we get to be messy with each other
and live to tell about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe
even learn to laugh about it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In our family, we know what messy is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know what it is to go through an
earthquake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We felt the ground
shake beneath us when Bo died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
all of us, the past eighteen years have been in some part about getting over
that earthquake, about dealing with the devastation of loss, about recovery,
rebuilding, and renewal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> No mother wants to raise a family on her own. No child wants to grow up without a dad. Earthquakes can rock your foundation, but that foundation can be rebuilt. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’re not that different from you and yours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each family goes through some form of
tragedy or triumph that changes the complexion and complexity of their relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thing I love about God’s grace is
that it’s sufficient for all of us;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>it’s sufficient for the siblings who don’t always get along, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who don’t always agree, who don’t always
see eye to eye. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s sufficient
for the extended family members who have stepped into our web of friendships
and relationships, all organisms with a life of their own. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know His grace is sufficient because
at the end of the day, we survived the wrecking ball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We survived the shift of those tectonic plates that set our
world off kilter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We learned how
to stand and live upright when sorrow made us crumble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Not only that, we learned that God's grace is so sufficient He will give and give and give no matter what. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We gathered this past weekend to celebrate…Christi finished
her college degree, begun as a young teenager and put on hold for years of
marriage and family building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
celebrated Carlisle and Michelle’s tenth wedding anniversary, with its own
seasons of marriage and family building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We celebrated my sixtieth birthday, decades of marriage and family
building and a whopping red letter day on my personal timeline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we also celebrated the fact that
love built us and love sustains us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Messy, imperfect love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Grace-giving and grace-receiving love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No family is perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There.is.no.such.thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
all struggle and strive to figure out how to get along, how to grow in love and
forgiveness, how to accept and defend our personal and private and public
decisions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s the good
stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there’s one thing I’ve
learned in sixty years, it’s that bit of mathematics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Start with a and b.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Multiply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Divide and
subtract.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then add.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And keep adding and taking away until
you get closer and closer to our Lord’s vision and version of who we are
supposed to be, of who He’s created us to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This family is our temporary home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s got a perfect mansion prepared for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in the meantime, our job is to
learn how to live and how to love each other like He loves us. It’s a messy
process. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Messy and imperfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But we are loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh so
loved. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkSSk5nS-jy6PQgbsJu8D6qgMGzYsu3d1BLtVcrIM_Q5FWCxrNEEifkiFn6TJES_hyphenhyphen7IPCx-WURFP8jNjmbKcAyOeYj9K76LcDm4Up6eijXXoqRloGxeyDRwc5hyphenhyphenNIMmGv4ucsionydhf/s1600/Cox+sand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkSSk5nS-jy6PQgbsJu8D6qgMGzYsu3d1BLtVcrIM_Q5FWCxrNEEifkiFn6TJES_hyphenhyphen7IPCx-WURFP8jNjmbKcAyOeYj9K76LcDm4Up6eijXXoqRloGxeyDRwc5hyphenhyphenNIMmGv4ucsionydhf/s320/Cox+sand.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Robin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-8897179269341007402015-06-20T14:10:00.000-07:002015-06-20T14:15:52.331-07:00Oh, Dad<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZC9leYcf2ZQ1GpsCWd2eo3C57I0yNWu-hOsfzC61Onu-cBFvBMZvZdRzmVokJPuAq-1NiSBRFzn8HskT3D98XYk84KPd1WBBuxEU5j5vT_EWmLJlmpjLz8q3BGXSQ0BE2bJe_hB1xujt/s1600/Dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZC9leYcf2ZQ1GpsCWd2eo3C57I0yNWu-hOsfzC61Onu-cBFvBMZvZdRzmVokJPuAq-1NiSBRFzn8HskT3D98XYk84KPd1WBBuxEU5j5vT_EWmLJlmpjLz8q3BGXSQ0BE2bJe_hB1xujt/s320/Dad.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear Dad,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s always hard to figure out what to do on Father’s Day
now that you are gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you
were on this earth, I would call you from wherever we were stationed, and I’d
have a nice long chat with you about your day, your life, your health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You always turned the conversation back
to my day, my life, your grandkids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I used to try to find a book you’d like to read—it was a challenge
beating my brothers to the next nonfiction bestseller, but we’d sometimes
collude with mom about which one to get you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Hallmark card was part of the gift—sometimes it took a
long time to find the one that said just what I wanted to say that year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The message didn’t change much though…some
variation of how happy I was to call you “dad.” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
On Father’s Day I usually wake up thinking of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has always been so easy to love you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I wish I’d recorded your voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I miss the sound of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hear your laugh when I talk to Steve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see your hands in his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stacy has your neck and chin;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Todd has your pensive gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I miss you, Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You were so important to my children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Bo died, you stepped up in such a
big way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You told me they’d never
lack for anything, and they didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You told me you’d always be there for us, and you were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Bo died, there was a void in each
of my kids’ hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you filled
it as best you could, with love, devotion, and pride in their
accomplishments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It still fuels
them as they pursue good, meaningful lives.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you for doing that for us, Dad.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I see you in Lauren…she has your penchant for barbed wire,
cattle, long and dusty roads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
see you in Christi…the smile on her face when she was in your arms as a child
still shows up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watch you in
Carlisle…his work ethic is yours. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He still works to make you proud. Your sparkle is in Michelle’s
eyes…you were her Shiny Top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
were more father to Charlotte than any other man as Bo was gone when she was
still so little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for
grandfathering our children so well. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m grateful for you, Dad.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I admit I get jealous sometimes when I see others with their
dads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I long for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ache to walk beside you, holding your
arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish for one more day, one
more hour with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have no regrets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Each time we were together, we shared our affection for each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never left anything unspoken with
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> No unfinished business, no unforgiveness, no mess, no fuss. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our slate is clean…pristine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You simply loved me and I simply loved
being your only daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
Thank you for teaching me how to love like that, Dad. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know that at the end of my long, happy life, you’ll be
there waiting for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Till
then,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love you sixty million
ways.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
Happy Father’s Day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Robin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-9849963366695115132015-06-01T18:40:00.000-07:002015-06-01T18:40:53.759-07:00Moving Blues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEOEUaSx0HxmvS_J4mHt8eoEAdDenNKjYj2jq9KOByMMrMKaV1r_d3TE8BtRjkTBOe2nhIO2QoKePditGYfTE2jBPVrNdcRkxYewhk-6esP-SjCUGKCUR-aCyB8x4PABwIqdax_tjE10g/s1600/Moving+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEOEUaSx0HxmvS_J4mHt8eoEAdDenNKjYj2jq9KOByMMrMKaV1r_d3TE8BtRjkTBOe2nhIO2QoKePditGYfTE2jBPVrNdcRkxYewhk-6esP-SjCUGKCUR-aCyB8x4PABwIqdax_tjE10g/s1600/Moving+3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Moving</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve moved all my life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Augsburg, Germany at birth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fort Benning, Georgia as a baby.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Luverne, North Dakota as a toddler.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back to Fort Benning, Georgia for pre-school.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A short stay in Oakland, California as we waited for my
father to send for us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Off to Okinawa, Japan for kindergarten, first, second, and
third grades, but even on that little island we moved twice.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fort Benning, Georgia for fifth and sixth grade;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met my lifelong friend Pam here.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Columbus, Georgia while my father was deployed to Viet Nam.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Washington, D.C. for Pentagon duty.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Killeen, Texas for a year off-post, then a move on post to
Fort Hood, then a move off post to Harker Heights.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tallahassee, Florida for college, again, with my bff, Pam.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fort Hood, Texas as a new bride, new teacher.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Off to Mannheim, Germany, and even overseas we moved three
times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We put our moving boxes
into moving boxes, and brought little Lauren into the world in Heidelberg. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back to the continental US, to Fort Benning, Georgia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Welcome Christi! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Off to Monterey, California, Fort Ord. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back to Fort Hood, Texas within a few blocks of my folks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Howdy Carlisle!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fort Stewart, Georgia with a large battalion of other movers
and shakers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fort Harrison, Indiana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hi Michelle!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carmel, Indiana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lebanon, Indiana.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hello little Charlotte! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mannheim, Germany once more;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>then off to Hohenfels in Bavaria.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back to the continental U.S. again, to MacDill AFB in Tampa,
Florida. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Retirement to Brandon, Florida, followed by an earthquake as
Bo and I split up;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>stayed in Brandon;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he took to the trails.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back to Harker Heights, Texas, to look after momma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A move to College Station, and another move in College
Station.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfKvCnejeW49xkpsKoqwp1w3WFeZ-cjdbfAEWHbE6iH6IIRCv309TjwmwV3b0xGcriSO0cCXMhueIolQKNOAu7UQkoWjyOyPd-uk-oXs_x1ha65sFIBIVI4vcmjizv-pXIYxQEtfRwXwE/s1600/moving+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfKvCnejeW49xkpsKoqwp1w3WFeZ-cjdbfAEWHbE6iH6IIRCv309TjwmwV3b0xGcriSO0cCXMhueIolQKNOAu7UQkoWjyOyPd-uk-oXs_x1ha65sFIBIVI4vcmjizv-pXIYxQEtfRwXwE/s320/moving+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Put down roots you say?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I know how?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Roots have never been a home, a backyard, or a neighborhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roots for me have always been my lifeblood—my children,
their spouses, my grandchildren.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But when I moved to this town, this neighborhood-- I found the closest thing I've known as home in a very long time. But, it’s coming to a close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guys who own my house, not my home, are moving back
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s their house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I don’t want to leave my home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to stay. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know I'll find a cottage, a pup tent, a fortress someplace
nearby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But moving is hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> This is the place I love. This is the place I want to stay. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God’s will is perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His ways are not my ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Each time I’ve moved, it’s because He’s picked me up and plopped me exactly where He wants me to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’ll do
it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
But moving is hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRalLqEBlD1mxpHh06OGlyKGjlDOv7Tf8Adwqs-fmhjc2YHil_bhetPMzipYfaB3OpcFV3ZbC0TJ4dW4kQMwPlgQUIvzoqqWYnidXMoWdARlAe2VMXQdtQzIQ1TPkQEJounxeioMxIseUZ/s1600/Moving+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRalLqEBlD1mxpHh06OGlyKGjlDOv7Tf8Adwqs-fmhjc2YHil_bhetPMzipYfaB3OpcFV3ZbC0TJ4dW4kQMwPlgQUIvzoqqWYnidXMoWdARlAe2VMXQdtQzIQ1TPkQEJounxeioMxIseUZ/s320/Moving+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
Robin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-48732077875372996992015-04-26T08:16:00.001-07:002015-04-26T08:38:47.073-07:00It's a Grand Old Flag...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FjJtGJkDSpiaizKejOLUAxTx3783iJpzVUDIXf8YuwycP6HnhyphenhyphenqCXF-q3QgOGleLY5J0WuxUsYT82B6zcG66B-POHi9GGWoLzEglKanors789e0AVaNFmTovmhyphenhyphenOeUqEY5pz7KcThMNs/s1600/Flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FjJtGJkDSpiaizKejOLUAxTx3783iJpzVUDIXf8YuwycP6HnhyphenhyphenqCXF-q3QgOGleLY5J0WuxUsYT82B6zcG66B-POHi9GGWoLzEglKanors789e0AVaNFmTovmhyphenhyphenOeUqEY5pz7KcThMNs/s1600/Flag.jpg" height="320" width="254" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So much to-do in the news about the American flag and proper
procedures when it is displayed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A Miami police chief is chastised for not saluting the flag.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A crowd does not fully respond with respect to the flag’s
passing; some sitting, some standing, some chewing on hotdogs. <br />
<br />
Stupid, stupid drunk boys urinate on the flag of their country. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The President of the United States does not salute the flag
during the national anthem; fodder for ridicule. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I decided to check with Emily Post about flag manners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seemed like as good a place as
any.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I noticed some key points.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The flag is alive. As a material symbol of our commitment to
every man’s freedom, it lives. We know too well the lives lost in defending it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It never dips to any person or thing, despite how dippy they
might be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It must be raised briskly; lowered solemnly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It can never be washed; but it can be dry-cleaned. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When damaged beyond repair, with something like, for instance, urine...it is ceremoniously burned. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In times of national tragedy it flies at half-mast at sea;
at half-staff on land.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On a power boat, it’s called an ensign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On an automobile, it’s called a standard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On your lapel, it better be on the
left. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It remains aloft from sunrise to sunset.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When it passes, we stand at attention with our right hands
on our hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we’re wearing a
hat, we hold the cover over our hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Veterans salute. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How well we have all come to know the dark blue union at the head and resting over the left shoulder of the deceased, as burial ceremonies ensue. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love our flag;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I always have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was part of our family culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My father taught us early how to stand and salute the
flag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Family memories are full of
such occasions.<br />
<br />
As little boys and girls we stopped our games on the playground at the sound
of retreat; jumping off the monkey bars to stand with our hands over our hearts or stiff palms at our brows,
facing the nearest flagpole. <br />
<br />
As teenagers, no amount of drink could have convinced us to relieve ourselves on the flag of our father. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
I really can't fathom frat boys being so inebriated they couldn't wet their pants before they'd wet our flag. <br />
<br />
Our flag has been blown up, beat up--despite such weary battles, it thrives. <br />
<br />
It deserves so much more from us.<br />
<br />
I don’t really understand how a police chief or a President could choose not to salute the flag.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not sure stupidity trumps patriotism.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure our religion supersedes our nationality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
An American reveres the flag. An American salutes the flag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
It’s pretty simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The thing is, though…thousands of Americans have died for
our freedom to argue these points. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The flag of our nation draped each of their coffins. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Robin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-63575708720873091952015-03-16T07:13:00.000-07:002015-03-16T07:13:24.217-07:00The Iris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRW7910YGVcgm0akRlO-uy97xE9pPljw-BUnXhpawMZaIt-eCzrD04foF-zIjaFc0E-NQNQdYDpyY9iDOU2kiRmNTasAyodXeAbJr7j_or2qnY9SILC2-D4nzgbiMviRr42j77GhS0r5J/s1600/Giant_Blue_Iris_by_justfrog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRW7910YGVcgm0akRlO-uy97xE9pPljw-BUnXhpawMZaIt-eCzrD04foF-zIjaFc0E-NQNQdYDpyY9iDOU2kiRmNTasAyodXeAbJr7j_or2qnY9SILC2-D4nzgbiMviRr42j77GhS0r5J/s1600/Giant_Blue_Iris_by_justfrog.jpg" height="320" width="295" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";">Forgiveness is the fragrance <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";">of an iris<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";">Upon the heel <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";">that crushed it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Mark Twain<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
It’s hard to
tell the truth when you’re lying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Great words for a country and western song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not such great words to say when you are trying to explain
the incongruencies of your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dreams and pretense create no backbone;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it’s the tough stories, trials, and mishaps of life that do
that for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have learned the
most important lessons I’ve needed to learn in my life through hard choices,
hard knocks, and hard questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
Real life requires a kind of consciousness that I have sometimes lacked
because of an inherent self-consciousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have asked God over and over to explain this to me; to
help me understand who I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
has shown me too clearly what I am all about by summarizing the scope and
sequence of my life with one word---unbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
I have gone to
church with my palms open, ready to receive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took me a long time to realize that I must go with my
palms open, ready to give. Belief requires something of us;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>trusting in the maker and creator of
not only <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the</i> universe, but <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">our</i> universe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have struggled with belief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It confounds me to decode and decipher His will when my own
is so strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lives in me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no unbelief about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But my obedience, my surrender, my
trust are all put to the test pretty continuously. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
Unbelief has haunted my walk as a Christian woman. Is there
grace in every moment?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Absolutely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But grace
requires appropriation; and I have missed the opportunity time and time
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The vernacular of the
community of faith gets so tangled up for a new believer:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>appropriation, baptism, consecration,
discipleship, evangelism, fellowship, grace….an alphabet soup of beliefs that
must be digested quickly if we’re to grow as He intended. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
I am a
storyteller at heart, so I will try to make this a true tale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the telling, I hope that you will
find some hint of wisdom, some whisper of jurisprudence, so that you may learn
from my mistakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is where the
rubber meets the road, that place between understanding that God is who He says
He is, and not the God we have created Him to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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My road’s had twists and turns; dead ends, divergencies, and
exit strategies that I’ve ignored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve driven myself off a cliff and lived to tell about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I’m getting ahead of myself. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Once upon a time</i>…</div>
Robin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-87553029007973180942015-03-15T08:24:00.002-07:002015-03-15T08:24:36.645-07:00For sale: Baby shoes, never worn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX20sEWs56g-eybqoNXDaF7WL1_agRry_q0-_Hd7sYJWYmk3TLGhmoDngoa3oWlZlSHxq4jseZhmGBdbSc-zYm_Chmcc1qGvDqYYFMEHoJoztv-E4ybTtZL-L49qemSnwB1UayF1z-fCJc/s1600/baby+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX20sEWs56g-eybqoNXDaF7WL1_agRry_q0-_Hd7sYJWYmk3TLGhmoDngoa3oWlZlSHxq4jseZhmGBdbSc-zYm_Chmcc1qGvDqYYFMEHoJoztv-E4ybTtZL-L49qemSnwB1UayF1z-fCJc/s1600/baby+shoes.jpg" height="278" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hemingway wagered: Write a novel in six words. He shared his own response on a cocktail napkin: <i>For sale: Baby shoes, never worn</i>. Six words that can bring you to tears. Powerful stuff. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can't write a novel in six words, nor a memoir. For a couple of years I've been recording a nonfiction piece I call <i>Broken Heart: Fixing Your Heart in Christ's Home. </i>But I haven't been able to finish it, because I've been working on other people's work and projects that are a little more pressing. It was born out of struggle, an internal wrestling match that I could not settle. Full of essential questions each believer asks. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <i>What if He really loves me?</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> <i>What does that mean, and how does that belief inform or transform my life?</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a new believer, I didn't understand why I needed to hide God's word in my heart. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn't understand what to expect from my new pastor, or what he might expect from me. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn't understand that I was meant to be a part of a church family, and that the community called "church" could be as complicated as my intimate circle of loved ones. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn't understand that <i>a church could wound, and a church could heal.</i> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn't understand that I could be trained, prepared, and equipped under the cross. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">New believers cannot and should not be ignorant for long. Beneath the stepping stones of this spiritual journey, we must begin to understand the bedrock divinity of who we are as Christians, and who we are meant to be. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Precious little conversion growth is happening in Western populations today. Experts estimate as little as 1-3%. We can traipse to Africa, send missionaries to Belize, reach the lost in Haiti, and these are all powerfully important. But there are unbelievers in our midst, and I'm writing for them. And for me.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is a huge demographic of believers who will not trust the church. They make a conscious choice to stay away. I believe this occurs because we may not understand our rights, but also our responsibilities as believers. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While we understand that <i>love wins,</i> it's an oversimplification to think that love is all there is, or that nothing is required of us. God will welcome us with arms wide open, but can we live in such away that we are more deeply concerned about His opinion of us, than what the world thinks? His expectations override our own. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some estimates tell us that 84% of Americans are not attending a conventional church, and 80% of the churches in North America have reached a plateau or are declining. Churches experiencing rapid growth are, for the most part, growing due to "switchers", folks who get tired, turned off, or transplanted, and must find a new place to call home. Many churches focus on what the church must provide the switcher, the unchurched, the undiscipled. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I want to speak my "give me Jesus truth" in a "gimme gimme world." To receive Him is to love Him, and I believe I owe Him something in return. </span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I've marketed <i>Broken Heart</i>, I have been told over and over, "<i>You've got to have a wider platform." </i>I don't have a platform per se, wide or otherwise. I write, and I share what I write, and if it speaks to someone, I am happy. The six words I'd offer Hemingway would be: <i>I write because I can't not. </i>I've decided to share <i>Broken Heart</i>. In pieces and parcels. Over time. If it speaks to you, and I pray that it does, I am happy. If not, I can't not do it anyway. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll share two or three pieces a week...my prayer is that God will bless you richly along the way, but more than that, you will learn to richly bless Him with the sacred and sacramental love you offer, in everything you do. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>After all, He loved us first. </i> </span>Robin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-31611993908219518882015-03-01T11:14:00.000-08:002015-03-01T11:14:59.897-08:00No End in Sight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the quiet enclave of my small office in College
Station, the wizened yet tender-hearted staff sergeant sat beside me and shared
his story, of what it was to endure a catastrophic IED explosion in an area
once known as Babylon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He whispered words of instinct and survival,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>despite partial and full thickness
burns over most of his body, the loss of his ears, nose, and several digits,
the vertebral fractures, the black lungs, the renal failure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my heart, I could hear what he wanted to say that lay
dormant between the place where reality is suspended and trauma threatens to
suffocate memory or erupt in sorrow too deep, too wide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yet I had the ears to listen and the heart to hear him,
because I know something about sacrifice, having spent three-quarters of my
life in a military household where service was benchmark and bedrock. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The term “PTSD” gets lobbed about quite frequently in
communities across America reeling from devastating loss over the last dozen
years, and I know something about that syndrome, that loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While my father would never have used the acronym, he lived
with combat every single day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Having traded the wheat fields of North Dakota at age eighteen for the
foxholes of Korea, he spoke rarely about his life underground. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With his vibrant sense of humor, he’d freely share the
stories of shit-on-a-shingle served in a mess cup or his naivete as a teenager in
battle, but the dark side of that war did not emerge in daylight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Loosened up with a few shots of bourbon and branch, he’d
attempt to go there, but his inner censor would shut down most stories and he’d
look upon a journey none but him could describe, unable to utter the horrific
truths of what he saw, what he did, where a piece of him died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Try to call him a hero and he’d quickly defer to his older
brother, Alan, who spent ruthless months interred by the Japanese at the end of
the death march to Bataan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s
the hero, he’d say, and move the topic along, far away from the personal and
precious details of his own sacrifice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He would not use PTSD to describe the disconnect that came
over him when he tried to recall the hidden battlefields of Laos or Cambodia as
he donned his Green Beret and disappeared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My brothers and I had vague clues of trauma when he tried to
share—from airborne night drops onto the Ho Chi Minh Trail, to napalm and Montagnards,
to bouncing betty’s and punji traps, and casualties too numerous to bear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was the bombed and boiling river filled with thousands of
NVA that woke him again and again from a dead sleep. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How deeply I loved my father, and love him still, but how
badly I wish that he had understood the importance of treatment for
trauma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kept it all
inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today’s soldiers must not hold it in; this generation must be
encouraged and supported as they speak aloud what seems impossible to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The healing dialogue, the bridge of words across the deep
crevasse between what we are able to process and what we cannot fathom, must be
established.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I probed deeper into the psyche of my soldier friend, I
understood that it was the telling, the retelling, the retelling, and the
retelling, that was allowing him to decompress and come to terms with pink
mist, the oily residue of blood and bone, the empty boot. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Men, women, boys, girls, their families, caretakers, and
support teams must learn how to listen, and how to hear the words that are so
tough to utter, the stories that are so tainted by unspeakable tragedy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unlike cancer, PTSD cannot be excised or radiated, but untreated
it does metastasize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The soldier
who sits beside us in church on Sunday morning may take his life on Sunday
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We must reach out to him; we must listen to her. There is
nothing unmanly or cowardly about speaking the truth. Each of our veterans has a voice that deserves to be
heard. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORGfuChCN-VN2rGGg5U3iMcNPYycttKrMAd9G9CCY7XpYEztAUprQCd8RaE8QRwBYr8FIXFQS2evhbszFlcjA2LXokCayom8ap-6-CYu-NYQ_ePqy5i5g7huvBCxsivpNUBGg_m5b1Ip2/s1600/Uncle+Sam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORGfuChCN-VN2rGGg5U3iMcNPYycttKrMAd9G9CCY7XpYEztAUprQCd8RaE8QRwBYr8FIXFQS2evhbszFlcjA2LXokCayom8ap-6-CYu-NYQ_ePqy5i5g7huvBCxsivpNUBGg_m5b1Ip2/s1600/Uncle+Sam.jpg" height="320" width="235" /></a></div>
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Robin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-1669437217488307472015-01-15T05:30:00.001-08:002015-01-15T05:30:24.318-08:00<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7ZsXXxXA9I3jZB7ASHKSBL9FVJL1Wpf2UG-gMIGbgpS_esMKa1ZBI_wiZdfFl1k1iXLKHGpp2NSQlUVt0NmrDT10_YpeumYL7wVaS2f91ziYPHAUo4a4x0iaUcGrX-sXnJr3zHPcN_eP/s1600/cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7ZsXXxXA9I3jZB7ASHKSBL9FVJL1Wpf2UG-gMIGbgpS_esMKa1ZBI_wiZdfFl1k1iXLKHGpp2NSQlUVt0NmrDT10_YpeumYL7wVaS2f91ziYPHAUo4a4x0iaUcGrX-sXnJr3zHPcN_eP/s1600/cupcakes.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matthew 5:7</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My mom was not a religious woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And to tell you the truth, she did not appear to be a
particularly spiritual woman either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was a member of the Greatest Generation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So for her, being religious or spiritual would be a practice
of self-absorption, and she was never self-absorbed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She was all about work and sacrifice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She could look in the mirror every morning and her
reflection would be simple:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a
woman who cared for herself, cared for her husband, cared for her family in the
best ways she knew how. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She was not someone who would tell a sad story, nor was she
a woman who would share her own sad stories with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yet they were there--</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">… tucked under a childhood broken by divorce;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">… stashed under the rejection of her stepfather;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">…buried under the wound of dropping out of high school;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">…concealed under the fear of traveling to unknown places all
over the world;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">…submerged in the daunting task of raising four children,
most days on her own; </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">…revealed in an overuse of alcohol to calm, numb and
mask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh how I loved the woman she was, the mother she was, the
friend she was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was thinking of her yesterday, when I was with a little
group of second graders at one of my schools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids were being kids, and I enjoyed their little earnest
faces of hope and promise. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I remembered my first year teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a group of 21 young people, aged
13-21, with varying degrees of exceptionality, primarily what we referred to as
mental retardation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had several
students with severe cerebral palsy, as well as three in wheelchairs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved those kids, and my aide, Mrs.
Bales. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was great work, and a
great privilege.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My mom loved my school stories.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I’d stop by after work and tell her about what James did, or
the time I found Melvin on the floor in the bathroom folding paper towels into
origami shapes, or the way Ellen took care of little Shirley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom got to know their names, their
needs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And every once in awhile, she’d show up in the door of my
classroom with cupcakes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh how my students loved her impromptu visits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There’s no way in the world my mom would ever tell anyone
that she did such a thing, that she showed up in my students’ lives to do
something utterly generous and kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But she did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I'm probably one of the few people in the world who knew about her small acts of kindness, and who knows how many more there were? We'll never know. She was fierce yet meek. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My unspiritual, unreligious mother showed me what mercy was really
all about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And in her acts of kindness, I saw the glory of God, though
she uttered not a word about Him. </span></div>
Robin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-68360294447840030152014-12-11T17:52:00.000-08:002014-12-11T19:55:09.611-08:00Professional or Confessional? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSirCwfdMDSw67-0g5I1usdt-Vme1ZbL90N1WlwYYbhvA9l_rBBlp2c9D0uGgBApNEw2KeHOPq66ccmtcm4lP9XMMJqUquVN9IxFMdN5V4xuflNHIMRuRV8VsY5Wk_plZEyVOggvV8bQj/s1600/Professional.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSirCwfdMDSw67-0g5I1usdt-Vme1ZbL90N1WlwYYbhvA9l_rBBlp2c9D0uGgBApNEw2KeHOPq66ccmtcm4lP9XMMJqUquVN9IxFMdN5V4xuflNHIMRuRV8VsY5Wk_plZEyVOggvV8bQj/s1600/Professional.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Professionalism<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I’ve
been working for a living most of my life. As a kid I was a dog walker, a babysitter, a camp counselor, a waitress, a busgirl, a housekeeper, a retail clerk, and I even learned to center condiments on a sesame seed bun at MacDonald's. I ran the dorm switchboard in college, worked for a teacher's union and a newspaper office in Tallahassee, and finally, degree in hand, got to teach school. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a few years off to raise our children, but even
during that season, I was always trying to find a way to make ends meet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s what most military spouses
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We put our own careers on
hold, in order to make a new home wherever the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines,
or Coast Guard sends us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Placing a
career on a back burner costs us something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">First
it renders our resume a complete mess;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>we can appear flighty, shifty, even unstable, when in fact, we followed
our spouse from one course on one coast to another class on another coast and
so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of us have found work,
but many times it’s at a lower pay grade or we’re starting at the bottom of the
totem pole time and again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rarely
do we get to walk in the door with a shiny curriculum vitae in hand and garner
the top spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About the time we’ve
got the pecking order figured out and networked ourselves up to where we want
to be, our service member walks in the door with orders in hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a life we volunteered for, but it’s
a life that takes a toll on our employment-- past, present, and future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Living
a military life means we get to meet people from all walks of life, with many
different levels of experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
worked with folks who’ve been promoted to their level of incompetence, and I’ve
worked with those who definitely hide their lights under a bushel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In between those two extremes, the word
“professional” gets bandied about with a pretty cavalier interpretation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m old school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Professionalism still means something
to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
have my parents to thank for that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They always demonstrated a very strong work ethic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the time they were teens, they
worked for every thing they had, and never took their own abilities for
granted. They had confidence, but they also had humility. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Humble is not a word they would use to
describe themselves, but I would and do. The first characteristic of
professional behavior is humility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A true professional recognizes that every single point of contact is a
human being, with talents, gifts, and abilities that are unique and special.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A professional is a good steward of
those relationships, working to build them, deepen them, and create an
environment of mutual respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
goal is not to advance their own agenda;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>their aim is to advance the mission with confidence and competence, while respecting, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>growing, and developing the human
resources required. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">My
children and I often went round and round about respect when they were
little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told them that every
adult they encountered must be respected, and as they got older and a little ornery,
they would counter with the idea that the adult in question needed to earn
their respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admit, sometimes
I would correct that attitude with a wooden spoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But over the years, each of my children learned that respect
is not a given; it's a gift you offer to each person you meet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the recipient gets to keep that gift, you don't get to take it back, unless the
receiver decides to trash it, in which case you just dust off your sandals and
move on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
think everyone <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">can</i> act
professionally, but just because a person calls themselves a “professional”
doesn’t make it so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A professional
by definition is someone who has cultivated a special competence or skill;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>they’ve honed their knowledge, gifts, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and talents to the extent that they are
no longer mediocre at their calling;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>they have become an expert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I meet people every day who call themselves professional, but therein
lies the rub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who gets to
decide?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My neighbor’s going
through a nasty divorce with an attorney who calls himself a professional but
uses pretty unscrupulous business practices to advance his agenda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend has an agent who calls
herself a professional but has trouble drawing a line between personal ambition
and professional behavior, and it’s taking a toll on everyone involved. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My daughter maintains a
professional relationship with her clients, upholding her oath to behave
ethically, reliably, and openly with each and every one, regardless of their
material wealth or earthly goods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
son honors every agreement he makes, knowing that a professional is only as
good as his word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who gets to
decide which one of these folks is a “professional”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Could it be that some folks who call themselves professional are really cons...using that word to advance their own goals and objectives...a <i>con</i>fessional, or wolf in sheep's clothing so to speak? </span>Is the word <i>professional</i> a word we can simply assign to ourselves, or is it a term that's earned. Could it be that professionalism is, in fact, in the eye of the beholder? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I’m
still old school in many of my work habits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I value the hours I spend on my work, and I want my
employer to do the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s
not always an easy contract in an educational setting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many times we have to do things that
are unpopular;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or we have to do
things we don’t want to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t
get to call the shots very often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At the end of the day, we have a boss, and he gets to tell us what to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as a professional, I’m called to
competently carry out my duties, and my boss has every right to expect me to do
what he’s hired me to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If asked
to do something illegal, immoral, or unethical, I would simply refuse, but
otherwise, I get to do as I’m asked or told if I expect to last for long and
pick up that paycheck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">But, a</span>s a professional, I get to decide when it’s time to hold ‘em, and when it’s time to show my cards and move on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">For me, work is a privilege. I get to work with an amazing group of professionals, and the thing I love about my cohorts is our shared vision and common goals. They don't insist on being called "professionals..." --they're actually too busy for all that. They do insist on doing what's right and relevant, and together, we're all working on the work. We each have our own talents and abilities, but we work together and over time, we have created a pretty well-oiled machine. We want each other to succeed, but moreover, we want our mission to be successful. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">We all wanted to be "librarians" when we grew up, not realizing that our school district would end up doing away with librarians. So now, we do the admin stuff that librarians do, and miss out on a lot of the fun, but nevertheless, over time, we hope to convince our school board and our community that the leader in the library is missing, and we need to bring her back. </span></span>We
talk to kids all the time about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">what</i>
they want to “be” when they grow up;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>but I think the conversation would be much more meaningful if we
concentrated more on asking them <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">who</i>
they want to “be.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Situational
ethics is averse to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to
be known as someone who does the right thing, all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want children to learn this as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
We’ve started a “social
contract” with our students this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When they violate one of the tenets of the contract, we’re to ask them, “What
are you doing?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We listen and
learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we ask, “What were you
supposed to be doing?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We listen
and learn again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally we ask, “What
can you or I do differently to insure you’re successful in doing what you’re
supposed to do?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, listen and
learn, and hopefully reach an agreement and understanding of what new behaviors
will replace the old.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
wish I could have that same dialogue with a lot of adults I meet in the business world or in the educational setting who call
themselves “professional.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d
like to ask, “What are you doing?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And find out how they view their behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I’d ask, “What should you be doing?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I could learn a lot from their
answers to that question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
finally, I’d like to ask, “What can I or you do differently to insure we’re
successful in doing what we’re supposed to do?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that conversation might bring about real change,
real reform, and at least a much higher level of understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s
something I’m going to experiment with…something tells me I might get some
push back from a few of the “professionals” who are in my line of sight. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I’m okay with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I have a lot of experience under my belt, and I know more than I did when I was walking dogs and watching other people's kids. I know more than when my spouse presented me with a Plan B, C, or D, with three weeks or three months to pack up and move to Germany, Georgia, or someplace in between. </span>No one’s walking in the door any more with a set of orders in his hands, ready to rescue me from what could be a professional morass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m staying right where I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m willing to take the risks and to
do the work to get the job done;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
willing to be the consummate professional, even if it costs me something in the
process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of the
day, it won’t matter what I call myself if those I serve see that my actions
don’t match the words that come out of my mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPpBC0Ha8WGmbf7e3945SwkFjh7lYe5ZSfk5lm4ssT8pRpkWVU2y4mv60TBUF2lGm_2_VJ-XL-xNJRR7n5aw9LkCOvNs9-R1qIB3wVVV7hGGu9Oiv6SunUyV69jJAhlb3mqpSq885WHxU/s1600/professional-development.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPpBC0Ha8WGmbf7e3945SwkFjh7lYe5ZSfk5lm4ssT8pRpkWVU2y4mv60TBUF2lGm_2_VJ-XL-xNJRR7n5aw9LkCOvNs9-R1qIB3wVVV7hGGu9Oiv6SunUyV69jJAhlb3mqpSq885WHxU/s1600/professional-development.jpg" height="320" width="314" /></a></div>
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Robin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-1058926983958869762014-11-06T18:52:00.000-08:002014-11-06T18:52:48.479-08:00Is Grass Always Greener? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVFf-7cIreuEdnf0GiTnksLL2Sh1BRa3KTQzCuTq6yxXTwFDgsSOBZPM5xzucIfm6sTMevm057Tq1nI1Xqwvh0IxffJFrBYWW8rVjpk1sKaxvNhEkCUJKGgNy-68f9oKB_06o0kkCRPp_/s1600/cannabis-490775_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVFf-7cIreuEdnf0GiTnksLL2Sh1BRa3KTQzCuTq6yxXTwFDgsSOBZPM5xzucIfm6sTMevm057Tq1nI1Xqwvh0IxffJFrBYWW8rVjpk1sKaxvNhEkCUJKGgNy-68f9oKB_06o0kkCRPp_/s1600/cannabis-490775_640.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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As a career educator and librarian, I’ve been curious about
the impact of marijuana’s legalization on classrooms and schools in the
affected areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do these new
tolerance laws impact the classroom, and if so, what are schools doing about
it?</div>
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The research I found was pretty disturbing.</div>
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In 2012-13, over 700 students in Colorado high schools were
expelled, and over 30% of those students were removed due to marijuana abuse at
school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The National Institute on
Drug Abuse says while there’s a decrease in the use of drugs and alcohol by
young people overall, there’s a significant increase in marijuana use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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1% of 8<sup>th</sup> graders self-report using marijuana
daily; 4% of 10<sup>th</sup> graders; 7% of 12<sup>th</sup> graders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>23% of America’s teenagers report using
marijuana regularly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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School resource officers in Colorado say they’ve seen a huge
increase in marijuana-related incidents, and a sharp rise in drug-related
disciplinary actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>School
reports indicate increased absences and drop-out rates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Greeley, Colorado, kids<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in fourth grade were expelled for
selling a dime bag to other fourth graders. Some teens recognize the date 4/20 but can't identify the meaning of 11/11. </div>
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Some doobie brothers would probably say, “Awesome.” </div>
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I think, “Not so much.”</div>
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I don’t like a drug and alcohol culture. I’ve seen what
these uppers, downers, and in-betweeners do to people I love over the long
haul, and I don’t embrace recreational medicine. In the case of marijuana, we
know that it’s got THC, and THC alters the brain’s hippocampus, affecting
learning and memory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Potheads will
tell you that’s not true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
could it be that they can’t remember what they forgot? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Marijuana slows reaction times, and may lead to depression
or anxiety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Red eyes are a side
effect that many movies and TV shows use for comic fodder, but it’s a
reflection of an increased or rapid heartbeat, not a healthy sidebar. </div>
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In adolescents, marijuana use leads to a lower IQ as well as
cognitive and mental deficiencies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There’s even a higher risk of stroke, depending upon what additives are
in the weed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Spice” or synthetic
marijuana, is laced with chemicals similar to THC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kids are using many alternative drugs and there’s a dramatic
rise in edibles, a proliferation of food products made with marijuana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These ‘green’ brownies, cookies, and
cakes can easily make their way into kids’ hands, lunchboxes, and classrooms. </div>
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Teenage pregnancy is difficult enough;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but the infant of a teenage mother who
regularly uses marijuana may demonstrate moderate to severe developmental delays or behavioral
issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The teenage body is not
well-developed, and research tells us marijuana is not physiologically healthy
for teens or children. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Second hand smoke from marijuana is not innocuous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Researchers state it may be 4-30 times
higher in carcinogens than regular cigarette smoke, at the rate of 2 cigarettes
per hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inhaling second hand
smoke may result in difficulties passing a drug screen, depending upon the
level of exposure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Research is in
progress about the affect of second-hand smoke from marijuana on younger
children. </div>
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Ironically, Colorado has a huge youth drug abuse prevention
campaign. But “Do as we say, not as we do,” is the message kids are hearing
loud and clear, and it’s not working. Proponents of legalization will say their
courtrooms have cleared out;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>they’re no longer spending a ton of money on “frivolous” charges for
recreational drug use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I say
they’re going to pay a pretty penny over time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>School psychologists report that when the perception
of risk goes down, marijuana use goes up, and this seems to be the prevalent
truth. </div>
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From a spiritual perspective, I see huge warning signs in
our country as marijuana use is legalized in more areas of our nation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It spells spiritual trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is the real hunger?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is the child of the marijuana user
seeing when his parent smokes weed to relax, unwind, recreate?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does it say to our children when
we legislate recreational drug use?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Is the term ‘recreational drug’, in itself, not an oxymoron?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talk to the parent of the heroin
user;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he’ll tell you it started
with weed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talk to the spouse of
an alcoholic;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she’ll tell you that like alcohol abuse, the chronic use of weed
is just one more way to mask the pain of daily life. </div>
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God’s word says, “All things are lawful, but not all things
are helpful.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not all things build
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not in favor of drug,
alcohol, or marijuana use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
this one life to live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to
be clear-headed, sober-minded, and focused on what He asks me to do, what He
asks me to give, where He wants me to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I want that for my children and grandchildren as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Robin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-63894311236192100392014-08-06T20:36:00.000-07:002014-08-06T20:36:29.088-07:00Increments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivc2vWJSo0lrogJl2fO5AylPhkImpxGuSSHvRWdpkcSrEgpNgbXJ1lFImQbcGwyzAF0fylZdupDPqODpYUXVE4w_m73hpIUFodp8lH5hhW-_fDT73C0juxZv1uoTo5tsekyjq-CEeHM65l/s1600/0e823519_he-must-increase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivc2vWJSo0lrogJl2fO5AylPhkImpxGuSSHvRWdpkcSrEgpNgbXJ1lFImQbcGwyzAF0fylZdupDPqODpYUXVE4w_m73hpIUFodp8lH5hhW-_fDT73C0juxZv1uoTo5tsekyjq-CEeHM65l/s1600/0e823519_he-must-increase.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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He must increase;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I must decrease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has to
become greater while I become less.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>John 3:30 has something to say to me these days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a rather exciting time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The book is set to launch in just a few
days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shilo and I received our
first copy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He posted a photo of
himself and Lizzie as they opened the book for the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My children were visiting when I received mine, and we did
the same thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sent each other
a long distance “pinch”—asking one another, can it be true?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it finally a reality?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we heard the warehouse will start
shipping books off to hither and yon on August 12<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we spotted posts on both
Barnes and Noble and Amazon that they’ll ship copies on September 1<sup>st</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a dream come true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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And yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
yet.</div>
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From day one, Shilo and I have prayed that someone would be
touched, changed, encouraged, inspired, or lifted up by his story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been one way God has impressed
both of us with the idea that telling this story is not for our good;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it is for the greater good.</div>
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It’s been good for us nevertheless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve grown so close;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ours has become a friendship I treasure
very much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s taught me so much
about devotion, commitment, the warrior ethos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s very brave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And every time I recount the explosion, and every surgery after the
explosion, I think of his sweet spirit, and his will to not only survive, but
thrive, and bring others into a greater relationship with our Maker.</div>
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In the days ahead, we are praying for the “one” as well as
praying that we both decrease as He comes closer and closer to each one of our
readers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are almost giddy about
the launch, wanting so much to show one and all that mercy trumps tragedy every
time. For Kat and Shilo, the book represents the culmination of one very difficult journey and the commencement of another. And on the way, we petition our Lord...less of us, more of You. </div>
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Robin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-35237167702985845212014-06-10T09:48:00.000-07:002014-06-10T09:51:03.689-07:00About fathers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I want to hug my dad today. </div>
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I want to wrap my arms around him to tell him one more time
how much I love him, treasure him, adore him.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I want him to know what he always knew, that I love him
through and through.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As far as dads go, he hit and missed the mark, as all dads
do, no matter what the Hallmark cards say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew how to be a father, learning the practical aspects
from his own dad, a North Dakota farmer and banker. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He always had his priorities straight. He put the roof over
our heads, and we never.ever.worried.about.shelter.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He put food in our bellies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the scales today tell me what I have always known…something
I have never known…lack.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He put my mother first and cherished her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never heard my father yell, scream,
throw things, insist upon his way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was always willing to give up what he might have wanted very badly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a knowing about him—something about
being willing to lay down your life for your brothers as a soldier made you
willing to lay down your will for your family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no guile in my father. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33zdan_G-U-a13hdoCIJ7rHNAMfGbWCiCOPq9gyac0M3gyXZWmwxw0fjn-zE5fjzIZiDL0mXY46CaP7BI2L7dqR9Jl7KXZrTHU2jDGKZeGsJzIivCeZVsA1OTtnY5LcxzfjLuBKuKBD7h/s1600/Dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33zdan_G-U-a13hdoCIJ7rHNAMfGbWCiCOPq9gyac0M3gyXZWmwxw0fjn-zE5fjzIZiDL0mXY46CaP7BI2L7dqR9Jl7KXZrTHU2jDGKZeGsJzIivCeZVsA1OTtnY5LcxzfjLuBKuKBD7h/s1600/Dad.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wish I could remember sitting next to him in church;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish I had memories of him reading
his Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But his faith was
internal, and he kept it there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oh, Dad, I would tell him today, don’t you know how much Jesus loved
you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When asked, he would always
say, “God doesn’t owe me anything.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I always wanted to tell him that was precisely the point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he knew…he knew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reassurance was my need, not his. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have my father’s transistor radio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It still works. When he was stationed
in VietNam, he kept it in his pocket, and it connected him to us through the
armed forces radio station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
knew what was happening in our world when we knew so very little about what was
happening in his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m so grateful
he was protected from harm, though he brought home scars from battle that he
would never divulge. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have my father’s first picture book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inside the front cover, scrawled in his
earliest penmanship, is his name, Lauren.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I run my fingers over that crayon stain, wishing, wishing,
that I could hold the little boy he was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can picture that boy sitting next to his mother, Julia, showing her
the lamb, the cow, the duck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was a farmer’s boy—he could have looked out the window to see the same things.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQfEf09IzVM206en0MvAZlaN7rVNwpmpWnQYszjGO34HpUH3PshLBzLgWVdfArjGDZOcWyxOwZ0oyBI5rh3GCCgfbKqzbMPzvgaCXaBxmj3gpmQcVHFd4fTUYKA1rVA1YBDIoPsuka42q/s1600/dad's+signature.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQfEf09IzVM206en0MvAZlaN7rVNwpmpWnQYszjGO34HpUH3PshLBzLgWVdfArjGDZOcWyxOwZ0oyBI5rh3GCCgfbKqzbMPzvgaCXaBxmj3gpmQcVHFd4fTUYKA1rVA1YBDIoPsuka42q/s1600/dad's+signature.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have my father’s autograph book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His big brother, Al, whose life journey took him to combat
with Merrill’s Marauders and down the deadly trail to Bataan, wrote this to my
dad in 1940: “ Dear Lauren, I will always remember you as my fattest little
brother…the guy who was always in the way when we were playing games because
you were too fat to keep up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your
biggest brother, Al. “<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a
huge smile as I write this—picturing the big humor and big smile of my dad as
he probably took Al to the floor in a headlock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From his brother Pete came these words just three months
after Al’s:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dear Lauren, Christmas
comes but once a year, but a chance to write in your autobiography comes but
once in a lifetime so I’ll sign my name, Mr. Marvin Overby, better known as
Pete.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pete didn’t sign my father’s
book again, succumbing to a brain tumor when he was still but a young man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In August of 1941, his brother George wrote:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Dearest Brother, well boy, we better
get this cake down and nectar too and go to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got the work to do and we’re just the guys to do it. And
if any guys want to make anything of it, well let them do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re too tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your brother pal, George.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>George sat beside my mother when
we laid my father to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in 2004. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYm51-mlCSIBQQCQnF5FYHO3gpNJ_-7AFFN66-VRol_xh-qJXcNZiucuNmw4vtIo9U6sDi52v-69X8mfHt_JNMQ0iZdO35MT65ReSDFKBRo8Ca_2XRWN1KoLeyj1Y5lanBzQs8W4tX6l0U/s1600/Dad5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYm51-mlCSIBQQCQnF5FYHO3gpNJ_-7AFFN66-VRol_xh-qJXcNZiucuNmw4vtIo9U6sDi52v-69X8mfHt_JNMQ0iZdO35MT65ReSDFKBRo8Ca_2XRWN1KoLeyj1Y5lanBzQs8W4tX6l0U/s1600/Dad5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On April 8, 1941, my father’s mother wrote: “Dearest son
Lauren, There is another album, filled with leaves of spotless white, where no
name is ever tarnished, but forever pure and bright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the book of life-God’s album-may your name be penned with
care, and may all who have written here write their names forever there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lovingly, Mother”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy Father’s Day, dad.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I miss you. Every.single.day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqw7IxkdKAGJrAsgOT8gzAzEM11Sp9LwdDCtlhHD5i3DdQN763_Xj7fEwSmn_c7QzI-rvX-NmbFesteQ8RUkE4NyS5dlzN8zhGFjrt2Uhesw17UZjNYcyfY3pAJk7PIa0RzN_Q3vZ8ztL/s1600/dad+and+me2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqw7IxkdKAGJrAsgOT8gzAzEM11Sp9LwdDCtlhHD5i3DdQN763_Xj7fEwSmn_c7QzI-rvX-NmbFesteQ8RUkE4NyS5dlzN8zhGFjrt2Uhesw17UZjNYcyfY3pAJk7PIa0RzN_Q3vZ8ztL/s1600/dad+and+me2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA93cNuN67T1PuHpB790uR0Z8qozCpYOQzvYCCNTM1S2dpaHcw8IkJY2k0TThNJCnvgk0gPoWfW7dyFchLsNB5O1_0dUbMTK6jmVQlzzvAiS5TNxIIhGn7gX4C3iAx15R8c99cyXLhlYJR/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA93cNuN67T1PuHpB790uR0Z8qozCpYOQzvYCCNTM1S2dpaHcw8IkJY2k0TThNJCnvgk0gPoWfW7dyFchLsNB5O1_0dUbMTK6jmVQlzzvAiS5TNxIIhGn7gX4C3iAx15R8c99cyXLhlYJR/s1600/photo.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Robin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438630199467267102.post-57476385039875863292014-05-12T17:47:00.000-07:002015-03-02T05:04:12.915-08:00Doc Gunn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lknHs_maSpDeyR4KYGPKS9oHn6ityOpLt5aGzaJG0cSTyTy5nGpDEB-HyJThkKU__crdlkTrLQDkXOC-ETzqaNtVLTEfKWXb-MqIli-Sx4muHcTudiPF-V-cvr0VwAsv5u_5fqn0itZT/s1600/Horse+tear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lknHs_maSpDeyR4KYGPKS9oHn6ityOpLt5aGzaJG0cSTyTy5nGpDEB-HyJThkKU__crdlkTrLQDkXOC-ETzqaNtVLTEfKWXb-MqIli-Sx4muHcTudiPF-V-cvr0VwAsv5u_5fqn0itZT/s1600/Horse+tear.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Horses graze in the bottom pasture, nudging tufts of grass
with the spongy tips of their noses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All whiskers, teeth, and chewing, they pull the verdant prairie grass
from dark moist earth and chew methodically, grazing across a warm sunny acre through
a day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do they know that atop the hill, the one who kept watch over
them has left the loam behind?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
they rose from green earth at dawn, the spirit of their keeper departed in
silence. In the dark of night he took his last breath and with that final
inhalation left a life on an earth he’d loved so much; breathless to
enter heaven in perfect form.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He was a boy in the great depression when food was scarce
and family was stretched thin.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He
was a man too young to go to war and too schooled to stay behind.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He was a husband and father who tried
to find his way through heartache to happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">We </span>met him long after the ebb and flow that left deep
wrinkles in his skin, kid-like wonder in his eyes, legs useless, adrift from
his spine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We </span>could not say we knew
him when or then…there was only now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now was quite remarkable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Full of story and vim, he saw humor in chaos and laughter in
the anarchy of a body unwilling to cooperate with aging. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tinkerer, fixer, mender, listener, never paralyzed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Never one to say look at me, look after me, or leave me be. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He left earth in sleep, taking nothing with
him but goodbye. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And what is to cease
breathing<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But to free the breath
from its restless tides,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">That it may rise and expand<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And seek God unencumbered?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Only when you drink from
the river of silence<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shall you indeed sing.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And when you have reached
the mountain top,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Then you shall begin to
climb.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And when the earth shall
claim your limbs,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Then shall you truly dance.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kahlil Gibran<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vcW8uI76NRCrYvcVE6IZa2-my-z7BWNk2CWFbM-8x8xxihks1TU1UqgUuzLz9f2CgGFxzvo3MMvmjHBtkjicPdxhTWSxWoRWYI6mXb7kheSN1qBmDTlFZqd5wpheWM6XrT8laPxJCtQO/s1600/Doc+Gunn.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vcW8uI76NRCrYvcVE6IZa2-my-z7BWNk2CWFbM-8x8xxihks1TU1UqgUuzLz9f2CgGFxzvo3MMvmjHBtkjicPdxhTWSxWoRWYI6mXb7kheSN1qBmDTlFZqd5wpheWM6XrT8laPxJCtQO/s1600/Doc+Gunn.jpeg" height="320" width="190" /></a></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
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Robin Overby Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16666803282084366362noreply@blogger.com0