Author: Nichole S.

A Little Bit of Kindness Goes a Long Way

Posted on by Nichole S.

Be forewarned….this is going to be a story about one of my boys.

Last Sunday was Wally’s birthday at Fenway Park.  I took Finn in with me for the day because…at 6 years old…he is still a huge fan of mascots and, that being the case, Wally’s birthday is the place to be.

Many a mascot have been known to fly in to celebrate with Wally at the park on his big day each year and both of my boys have really enjoyed being in attendance in years past.

On the way into the park Finn started to ask questions about whether or not mascots are actually “real.”  I asked him what he thought. He listed many reasons explaining why Wally couldn’t actually be real….which broke my heart just a little bit.  My only response was, “Well, all I really know is that Wally has always been really nice to us and he makes me smile.  Real or not, Wally is Wally and I think he’s pretty great.”

Fast forward to the action at Fenway.  Wally had an A list of friends fly in indeed.  A thought which still makes me laugh.  I think it would make the best short film ever to see the mascots each grabbing their suitcases, running out of their home ballpark, hailing a cab or hopping in a limo, taking off for the airport, checking through security, and buckling up on planes across the country…prior to meeting up at Logan Airport and driving off to Fenway together.

We watched the pre-game action on the field and then Finn wanted to head up to the Green Monster to watch a couple of innings before heading down to Wally’s Club House for the birthday celebrations.  Turns out that Wally and his friends had the same idea.  Wally takes to the Green Monster during each game to do the “Wally Wave” with some fans.  At the end of the 2nd inning Finn was suddenly surrounded by Mascot Mania and couldn’t  have been happier.  Unfortunately, being little, Finn was soon pinched out of the action on the crowded stairs and was about to be lost in the shuffle.  As soon as the birthday dance started, T.C. (from the Minnesota Twins) came to his rescue and scooped him up to give him the coolest view in the park.  Finn was beaming.

As if that bonding wasn’t cool enough, we bumped into T.C. and the other mascots again during Wally’s birthday party.  By then, all Finn cared about was hanging with his new pal T.C.  I explained to him that the mascots were having a really busy day and had lots of fans to meet and a schedule to keep.  No sooner than I had said that, though, T.C. turned around, recognized Finn and gave him a special “hello.”

At that moment, T.C. became Finn’s favorite thing ever.  Any doubts about mascots being “real” vanished and he was beaming.  Finn talked about T.C. for the rest of the day.  On the way home it occurred to him that he may not have the opportunity to see T.C. again.  The doubts that filled Finn’s thoughts on the way into Fenway had been replaced with the purest and simplest memories of a new favorite day at the park.

At bedtime Finn asked, “Do you think T.C. has already left Boston?” and then rolled over and said, “Happy Birthday Wally” to his little stuffed green monster.  Ahhh….to be six again.

After downloading photos and videos from the day, it occurred to me  just how great T.C. had been.  I realize that it is surely in a mascot’s job description to bring enjoyment to fans young and old….but, T.C. went out of his way.  Anyone who brings such pure joy to one of my children deserves a “thank you” right?  So, I emailed T.C.  I can’t lie, I felt a little funny actually emailing a mascot and I certainly didn’t expect to hear back.  But, I did.  Not only did T.C. email me back, but he seemed genuinely happy that I took the time to let him know that he made Finn’s day.  T.C. asked for Finn’s address.  He said that he wanted to send him a little something.

Just a few short days later, a box arrived in the mail.  T.C. had sent Finn the mother load of Minnesota Twins goodies.  Finn was….well, really, the only word that seems right….incredulous.  His giggle as he figured out that the box was actually from T.C. is one of the most precious things I have ever heard.

The fact that someone…in this case a big furry bear named T.C. all the way from Minnesota…took such time and care to make my little guy smile….will be one of the moments that makes all right in this sometimes overwhelming and crazy world for this mom.  Huge kudos to T.C. for embracing his ability to make Finn feel special.

Mascots are real.

 

Nichole’s Picks 5/21 + 5/22

Posted on by Nichole S.

Pick #1:  Motif #1 Day, Rockport

The Motif No.1 Day Festival celebrates Rockport across the arts. And all of it centers around the fishing shack-artist’s studio-tourist attraction that started it all: an old building right on one of Rockport’s historic wharves that was painted so often by artists at the turn of the last century that it was given the nickname Motif No.1 by Lester Hornby, a well-known artist and instructor of the period.

Film, poetry, dance, music, and art-making activities are all a part of the festival, as well as historical presentations and a Motif No.1 Day 5k and Fun Run, with proceeds to benefit Rockport Public Schools’ wellness initiatives.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT ROCKPORTEXCHANGE.ORG BY CLICKING HERE

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Pick #2:  92.9 EarthFest Concert on the Hatch Shell

READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE

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“We are excited to announce that Flight of Fire, The Strumbellas, Joywave and Fitz and the Tantrums will be performing at this years FREE Radio 92.9 EarthFest Presented By Whole Foods Market. The festival will take place at the DCR Hatch Memorial Shell on May 21st, 2016 from 10:00am-5:00pm.”

Pick #3:  Let’s Go Fly a Kite: A Practically Perfect Mary Poppins Party 

Sunday, May 22nd 1:00-4:00

It’s an afternoon of Poppins fun for the whole family at this Mary Poppins Party at Crane Estate. Activities include kite making and flying, chalk drawing, lawn games, and more. Kite aficionados from Kites Over New England are on hand to show their kites and flying techniques. Tea, lemonade, and cookies are served.

READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE

Cost:  Child Member: $24, Child NonMember: $30
Parents and Guardians are Free

As always, for a more comprehensive list of family activities please visit our friends at North Shore Kid

Toot. Toot.

Posted on by Nichole S.

That was me blowing my horn.  Only it isn’t really my horn.  It is the horn that belongs to phenomenal school where I am incredibly privileged to teach.

While I could always wax poetically about many of the special things that happen there on a daily basis, I don’t.  So, when I do…you know it is going to be even extra special.  Like today.  This isn’t just any proud moment though.  This one also includes the one and only, Sista Felicia.  This week, for one super fun night, Harborlight-Stoneridge Montessori and Sista Felicia joined forces.

See, our Middle School students put their wonderfully creative minds together and planned themselves a pretty exceptional week-long field study trip to Gloucester. Gloucester may have, at first, seemed like an odd choice since these students all hail from the North Shore area, but given the fact that they were excited to dig deeper, explore further, and learn more substantially about this special place we call home, it wasn’t really an odd choice at all.

They rented themselves a pretty sweet home on the beach, created a week-long vision of learning, drew a logo, and planned a week to end all weeks.  With the direction of their teachers, but the license to make their own decisions, they planned a week that includes working closely with Tony Wilbur at Maritime Gloucester, a sail on the Ardelle, some time on the Adventure, learning how to SUP, a trip to Cape Pond Ice, a meeting with Angela Sanfilippo, a visit with a couple of local artists, a lobstering trip, a visit to Hammond Castle, a walk on Dog Bar Breakwater, and much (much) more.  Oh, wait…much more…including breaking in their vacation pad by preparing an exceptionally delicious meal with Sista Felicia.

Don’t be surprised if you hear more about this trip in the week to come, but in the meantime I wanted to show you how fantastic it was to have my worlds collide. Felicia, no surprise, led these students like the expert she is.  She had them working all areas of the kitchen with enthusiasm and, in the end, a fantastic meal consisting of appetizers, “cocktails”, salad, main courses (obviously including locally caught fish), and a dessert….but, most importantly, teamwork…was served.

Thanks so much, Felicia!  A side note, that probably goes with out saying, is that the food was delicious and received accolades from all.

Long Hill Gardens

Posted on by Nichole S.

One of my “picks” for last week was the Annual Plant Sale at the Trustees, Long Hill Gardens.  While I didn’t make the actual plant sale, I did take a group of my “grown-up” students for a walk up there on Saturday afternoon for a quick botany lesson.  It truly never fails to disappoint and if you haven’t hiked the property, you really should.

Read more about Long Hill HERE

“Improve Your Dad Brand”

Posted on by Nichole S.

Are minivans the new Dad Mobile?  Maybe.

The all new Chrysler Pacifica is going strong by using comedian, Jim Gaffigan, in their latest series of commercials.  Pretty funny, and kind of brilliant, if you ask me.

Comedian Jim Gaffigan essentially became famous making jokes about fatherhood and the qualms that come along with it, making him the perfect candidate to sell the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica to skeptical dads all over North America.

In Chrysler’s first official TV spot for the Pacifica, Gaffigan explains how the minivan is ‘great for your dad brand.’ He makes a good point, seeing as the minivan has for years now been the go-to vehicle for families and the 2017 Pacifica is the safest and most well-equipped Chrysler minivan to date.

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Nichole’s Picks 5/14 + 5/15

Posted on by Nichole S.

Pick #1:   Gloucester Public Schools Art Festival

Saturday, May 14th

Please read all about it HERE

The Gloucester Public Schools Art Festival is here! Join us for a free day-long celebration of art, music, dance and theater. Amazing artwork by Gloucester’s pre-K-12 students will be on display and performances will take place all day. We’ll even have a group art project taking place in the Cape Ann Museum Courtyard. Don’t miss this fun, family event for all ages.
When: Saturday, May 14, 2016 10:30am – 3:30pm
Location: Downtown Gloucester – Sawyer Free Library, City Hall, Cape Ann Museum, The Hive, Pleasant Street Tea Co. & Toodeloos!

 

Pick #2:  Annual Long Hill Plant Sale

Read all about it HERE

Saturday, May 14
10AM-1PM, Open to Members at 9am    FREE

Head to Long Hill for the annual plant sale.  You’ll find a great selection of unusual plants and old favorites including Tulip Tree, Japanese Snowbell, Dove Tree, and more!  Choose from hundreds of perennials including many natives, and specialties of Long Hill. Horticultural experts will be on hand to answer your gardening questions. There will also be a silent auction of unique plants.

The sale opens at 10am to the public.  If you’re a Trustees member join us at 9am for first pick of the sale.  Not a member? Join on site at 9am.

The event is rain or shine.

 

Pick #3: Boston Bubble Festival

Saturday, May 14th 11:00-2:00  Boston Commons

Read all about it HERE

The air will be filled with fun as Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department bring the first-ever Boston Bubble Festival to Boston Common on Saturday, May 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Building on the popularity of “Bubble Guy” Jim Dichter’s presentations at previous Parks Department children’s events, the Boston Bubble Festival will offer free outdoor activities in and around the historic Parkman Bandstand at 167 Tremont Street.

“Children have always loved playing with the bubbles at our festivals in Franklin Park so we decided to dedicate a day to this fun activity and bring it downtown to Boston Common,” Boston Parks Commissioner Chris Cook said.

The celebration will include giant floating bubble demonstrations, “make your own bubbles” stations, exploration of the science of bubbles with the Museum of Science Boston, an appearance by The Inventor Mentor (www.inventormentor.org), children’s fitness activities, and entertainment from a DJ, juggler, and magician.

The Boston Bubble Festival is presented by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department with sponsors Uncle Bubble, Massachusetts WIC Nutrition Program, Fisher College, HP Hood LLC, Disney’s “Alice Through The Looking Glass,” Disney-Pixar’s “Finding Dory,” Columbia Pictures’ “The Angry Birds,” and partners Magic 106.7, WERS-FM, and “Bubble Guy” Jim Dichter.

For more information, please call the Boston Parks and Recreation Department at (617) 635-4505, visit http://www.cityofboston.gov/parks or go to http://www.facebook.com/bostonparksdepartment.

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As always, for a more comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid.

High Ground

Posted on by Nichole S.

Now that I try to take both dogs on my run/walk in the afternoon, I am hard pressed to take photos.  For anyone who has chanced upon me taking a Nantucket Sleigh Ride through town while being pulled by 100 pounds of dog can confirm that.

This intrigued me too much though to not stop last night.  6:30 in the evening and no one in sight.

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Thank You, Sudbay.

Posted on by Nichole S.

Well, even more specifically, thank you to Phil Prieur.  Phil calls himself “My new family car salesman” and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I haven’t purchased many cars.  In my 44 years, or my 27 years of driving, I’ve only called five vehicles mine.    Well, until this week.   This week, Vehicle #6 found its way into my driveway.

In High School I had a little blue Isuzu for no time at all.  Shortly afterwards I drove a brown Peugeot…a diesel at that.  After graduating from college I purchased my first “real” car.  As in, I actually went to a dealership, picked out, and signed on the dotted line for a Volkswagen Jetta.  Several years later I went on safari in Africa and spent a lot of time driving around the African bush in Land Rover Defenders. Upon returning home to the states I put down a deposit on a new Land Rover Freelander that was still under production.  I patiently awaited its arrival and then drove it until it literally wouldn’t drive another mile…and then purchased my Jeep Commander.

That Jeep was well-used and well-loved for over 7 1/2 years.  There were times that I LOVED that car.  Like, for example, the day in June of 2009, when it safely drove Finn home from the hospital for the very first time.  Or the times that it drove up and over the sand dunes of Eel Point, Nantucket.  The boys loved watching it disappear into the belly of the ferry that would transport us all to our happy place.  Last year, in particular, all loaded with bikes and paddle boards….Nantucket beach stickers stuck proudly to the rear and front bumpers…our Jeep felt oddly like a family member.   There were also, however, days that I hated it.  Like, really hated it. Like the day that the gentleman who was attempting to detail it called to say that he was giving me my money back because it was simply impossible to clean.  And then….then…there was the chicken bone incident.  I still shudder at the thought.  If you’re not privy to the horror….please read HERE.

Love or hate, what I wasn’t expecting, was to return from a 10 day vacation in Florida with the boys…only to find out 48 hours later that our Jeep was gone.  Gone.  Like, the engine can’t be fixed and, with over 160,000 miles, was beyond repair.

I took a few days to process the fact and then, reluctantly, headed to Sudbay to chat about my options.  Finn had already had a good cry upon hearing the news.  “But we didn’t even get to say good-bye.”  Thatcher was more excited about getting something new(er)…until, that is, he remembered all of the days that our Jeep took us to Cape Hedge Beach. “Us” meaning the boys and the dogs.  First Moby and Marlin….and then, sadly, just Marlin….and then, with a new furry addition, Marlin and Minnow.  I was sad too. Honestly though, I thought I was just sad because I was really enjoying the lack of monthly car payments.

I was soon to realize, however, that wasn’t completely true.  I, and the unsuspecting Phil, were about to realize that I was also having trouble letting go.  While driving into Sudbay’s Jeep entrance I caught sight of our Jeep.  Big, sad, lonely, white….our Jeep.  Call me crazy, but I started to cry. I will never deny being a completely emotional person.  I cry. And somewhat easily at that.  So, as I recalled the many weekend road trips, journeys to Florida and Virginia’s coast, the two trips to the ER for stitches to both boys’ foreheads, the piles of sand, the hockey rink rounds, the Christmas trees, the fireworks, the tailgates, the laughs, the tears, the singing, the silly moments, the after school chats, the infant seats, the carseats, the booster seats, the spills, the post-sledding chills, the munchkin runs, and the ice cream cones….  I cried.

Flash forward to meeting Phil Prieur.  I’m quite certain he wasn’t expecting a defeated mom with tear streaked cheeks to sit down at his desk, but he handled it like it happens every day.  In fact, he shared a story about another mom that made me feel just a little less crazy.  Within fewer than 40 minutes I had gone from sad and uninterested to hopeful and excited.  Phil asked me to tell him what my “needs” in an automobile were and truly with no unnecessary pressure, showed me a few that he felt would fit the bill.  He was supportive, helpful, knowledgeable….and, in my opinion much more importantly, patient and kind.  While I never thought it would be possible, I actually left there (a bit after scheduled closing time) feeling like there was a new chapter on the horizon.

Two days later, I returned to the dealership to complete the necessary paper work.  Phil let the boys park it at his desk and was as kind to them as he had been to me.  He answered their questions, engaged them in conversation, and seemed to honestly get a kick out their little souls.  The next day, I picked up our new car.  Smaller than our Commander.  Not brand new, but newer for sure.  And clean….so, so very clean.  We are looking forward to creating some pretty great new memories.

I am so grateful for having met Phil in my time of need.  While I am obviously hoping to not have to purchase another car for quite some time, Phil has made it clear that he is there for us as we get to know this one.  But if any of you should happen to be looking to purchase a car….Phil could very likely be your guy.

Check out Sudbay and their inventory HERE

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Nichole’s Picks 5/7 + 5/8

Posted on by Nichole S.

Pick #1:  Appleton Farms Mother’s Day Spring Alpen Festival

Read All About it HERE

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Date & Time
Sunday, May 8
10AM-12PM

Cost
Moms are FREE; Member Adult: $24; Member Child: $12; Nonmember Adult: $30; Nonmember Child: $15

Contact Information
978.356.5728 x4112
appletoncooks@thetrustees.org
Appleton Farms
Hamilton and Ipswich, MA

Directions to Appleton Farms

Register Now

A fresh idea for Mother’s Day!  Spend the morning at Appleton Farms ushering in the season of spring, the fresh flavors of the farm, and the dairy herd’s return to pasture.  A tradition originating in the Alps, this day will include traditional Swiss treats and homemade breakfast goodies from our farm kitchen.  A fondue bar, live music, and more. Let the Moms relax and enjoy the festivities while the kids help us open the barnyard, meet the baby animals, and make a gift for mom. Flower crown making in the Carriage Barn for all to enjoy. Decorated with bells and flowers, the cows will end the celebration in a traditional cow parade to their new spring pastures.

FREE for moms! Please register all other adults and children. (Example: If Dad is registering for the family of five -Mom, Dad, and three kids- add 1 adult and three child tickets to your cart.)

This event runs rain or shine. Please pre-register so we have enough refreshments for all. Children under 1 are free.

 

Pick #2:  Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum 

I realize I wrote about the Arnold Arboretum in another “Picks” post, but Lilac Sunday for Mother’s Day is a pretty special event.

READ ALL ABOUT THE EVENT HERE

Sunday, May 8th 10:00-3:00

Of the thousands of flowering plants in the Arboretum, only one, the lilac, is singled out each year for a daylong celebration. Mainly located on the edge of Bussey Hill Road in the heart of the landscape, the lilac collection at the Arnold Arboretum is among the premier collections of these plants in North America.

Tours of the lilacs and other special collections, family activities, and food vendors make for a memorable day. Be a part of this beloved Boston tradition! Check back for the day-of schedule of events.

The Arboretum is open as usual from dawn to dusk. Activities are available from 10:00am to 3:00pm, and refreshments are available from 11:00am to 3:00pm.

 

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Pick #3:  Boston Harbor Cruises:  Free Ferry Day

May 7th, 2016

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READ ALL ABOUT FREE FERRY DAY AND BOSTON HARBOR ISLANDS HERE

Free Ferry Day!

As part of National Park Service Centennial Summer, we open our 2016 season with a FREE FERRY DAY – this is a special one-day ferry schedule to either of the two most popular Boston Harbor Islands – Georges and Spectacle Islands.

  • Free tickets for the Boston Harbor Cruises ferry will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis at the Ferry Center on Long Wharf-North.

  • No tickets will be given out at the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center on the Greenway or Long Wharf South ticket booth.

  • Free tickets are from Boston only. Hingham and Hull ferries will resume later this season.

  • The ticket window opens at 8:30 am. On nice weather days, all free ferry tickets are distributed before 11 am, with all of the departures listed below completely booked at that point.

  • Tickets will be handed out for the earliest ferry, then the next, and so on, until all ferry seats for the day are distributed.

  • Each adult in line may pick up a maximum of 4 tickets.  There will be no special arrangements for groups of more than 4 to be on the same ferry.

  • The inter island service in/out of Boston is not available on Free Ferry Day.

Don’t forget to visit the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center on the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway for free programs available throughout the day!  Check our calendar for program details.

There are three departures from Long Wharf North to Georges Island for Free Ferry Day. Travel time is 45 minutes. Ticketholders must return on the ferry time listed with an average alloted time of 3-4 hour round trip per ticket.Ticketholders must return on the ferry time listed on ticket.  All tickets will have pre-assigned return time.

 

There are two departures from Long Wharf North to Spectacle Island for Free Ferry Day. Travel time is about 25-30 minutes. Ticketholders must return on the ferry time listed with an average alloted time of 3-4 hour round trip per ticket. Ticketholders must return on the ferry time listed on ticket.  All tickets will have pre-assigned return time.

As always, for a more comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid

I’m So Grabbing My Best Mom Friends For This

Posted on by Nichole S.

I can’t wait to sneak some wine into the movie theater and watch this new mom flick with a bunch of my best mom friends. Yoga pants, unshowered, split ends flying, some bon bons, and a botabox.

No I-totally-have-my-act-together-have-perfect-kids-make-no-mistakes-and-every-day-is-amazingly-awesome types allowed.  Sorry….but that would totally defeat the purpose.

 

Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Nichole S.

Not only could Codzilla be called a fish out of water, but it looks like a fish out of water sitting in our very own Gloucester Marine Railways.

I took the boys for a ride in Boston Harbor on Codzilla last summer.  They enjoyed it, but it wasn’t as crazy fast and fun as they expected.

If you find yourself interested in taking a trip, READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE

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Nichole’s Picks 4/30 + 5/1

Posted on by Nichole S.

Pick #1:  53rd Annual Gem and Mineral Show

APRIL 30  and MAY 1, 2016

The Topsfield Fair Grounds, Route 1 Topsfiend, Ma.

Read all about it HERE

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Pick #2:  8-Mile Hike “The Long Way Around” at the Crane Estate

Read All About it and REGISTER HERE

A little pricier than most of my picks, but what a great opportunity for a beautiful day spent outside before the weather gets too hot.

Saturday, April 30th 10:00-2:00  $28 for members and $35 for nonmembers

This hike explores the wild wonders of the Crane Estate!  We’ll launch our long walk at the Cedar Point Trail and follow it to the Ipswich River, then meander along the beach and through seldom-traveled paths to the trailhead at the Crane Wildlife Refuge. We’ll wander the dunes to Essex Bay, then make our way along the backside of Crane Beach to reach the Essex River. A bag lunch will be delivered to us at the approximate halfway point, and will give us the sustenance we’ll need to finish the hike! Come prepared for a leisurely long-way-around walk of about 8 miles.

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Pick #3:  The Arnold Arboretum

Although I haven’t been in a couple of year, I truly LOVE this place.  Such a gorgeous slice of heaven, right within the city limits, that makes you feel as though you are miles and miles from it all. With more than 280 acres to explore,  you’ll certainly be able to make a day of it.

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READ ALL ABOUT THE ARNOLD ARBORETUM HERE

Explore on your own or take a guided tour throughout the property

This Saturday also brings the event, “Maples, Roses, and More (Oh, My!)”

1:00-2:30pm, April 30, 2016 Arnold Arboretum

Hear about Maples, Roses, and More on this tour of plant families, their origins, and the marvel of springtime.

Arboretum Guided Tour

Experience the Arboretum in a new way–take a free guided tour with a knowledgeable volunteer docent. Tour topics range from Highlights and History to Landscape for Learning and special themes on Olmsted, Arboretum collections, and more.

For more information and possible cancellations due to weather, call the Visitor Center at 617 384-5209.

Location: Hunnewell Building, unless otherwise publicized.

Tours last around 90 minutes, and are geared toward adults. There is no need to register.

Tour Schedule:
The general free tour season runs from April 16 through October 30, 2016. We offer tours Saturdays at 10:30am, and Sundays at 1:00pm. Additional 10:30am weekday tours are offered on Mondays and Thursdays, late April through June, September and October, except holidays.

 

As always, for a more comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid

The Other Side of the Rainbow

Posted on by Nichole S.

So, I may not describe this very well and some of you may even feel the urge to comment to explain that the moment I am about to share is actually impossible.  And, I won’t be at all surprised, because, until the other day, I would have assumed it was impossible too.

Please do, if you’re in the know, share the science behind this!

The definition of a rainbow from one source is, “an arch of colors formed in the sky in certain circumstances, caused by the refraction and dispersion of the sun’s light by rain or other water droplets in the atmosphere.”

So, the question I have is…. Is it possible to actually go through a rainbow?  Because, this is what happened the other day…

While driving home from Florida, somewhere in Virginia, the rain started to come down heavier than I have ever (EVER) experienced before.  Sadly, at that moment, I happened to be driving.  When I say that there were moments that I could not see a single thing out of my windshield, I swear I am not exaggerating even one little bit!  There were moments that I lost sight of all other cars, the side of the highway, and even the painted lines that divided the lanes of the highway.  It was for sure the most scared I have ever been behind the wheel.

Thankfully, it was relatively short lived.  The torrential rains lasted only a couple of minutes…two different times.  When the second downpour came to an end, cars were pulled over in random spots all along the highway.  Some cars had pulled into the breakdown lane and stopped, some had pulled off into the grassy median between north and south bound traffic, and some had pulled over just before exit/on ramps.  I consider it an absolute miracle that no accidents occurred within our immediate vicinity, but I am certain that they must have happened elsewhere.  How could they not?

So, again, when the rain had come to an end, there was, of course, a pretty spectacular rainbow.  At first, it was off to our right, but the tree line was blocking it enough that getting a good photo was impossible.  After a moment, however, it was right smack in front of us.  I asked my husband to quickly get a photo, but, I swear, no sooner than he held the phone up, the rainbow was gone.  It appeared as if we actually drove right through the rainbow.  It was there……and then, right before my eyes, it was gone.  I wish I had had the where with all to turn around and see if it was actually behind us, but I didn’t.  So…did we actually drive through it?   Did it just disappear coincidently at that very moment?  I guess I always thought that, much like the horizon, you could never actually get to a rainbow….that it was always kind of just out there…in the sky.

So, I welcome all explanations….but, be kind.

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One Year Later…Still Holds True

Posted on by Nichole S.

I wrote this letter and used it as a post a little over a year ago.  For a few different reasons, I’m feeling the need to repost it.

Here’s the original post….but below is what the contents of the letter said…

Dear Future Teachers, Instructors, and Coaches of my Sons,

I’d like to take a minute now to thank you for the hours, energy, and love that you will undoubtedly be giving to my children in the future.  I know that it is not always an easy job that you have, but it is one that you accepted, however long ago, because you have the best interest of children, and now my children, at heart.   Many of you have simply volunteered…and don’t even get paid…and all of you spend a large portion of your personal time thinking about, worrying about, or being excited about things that have to do with the classes you teach, the lessons you give, or the practices that you run.

I know, no matter how much you love what you do, the down side is that your job will sometimes require that you make difficult decisions.  I know that those decisions will sometimes even cause you sleepless nights, a heavy heart, and worry, and pain.

I’d like to tell you now…that it is OK.  It is OK to not pick my son.

It is OK to not call on him when his hand in raised as high as possible in class, because you have 20 students and they all want to make you happy by knowing the right answer or sharing their thoughts.

I know that even that one silly decision….who to call on?….can be excruciating…each and every time.  I know that you make a mental note…and try to call on them all the same amount each week, but it is still so hard to watch their hands fall disappointedly back into their laps.

It is OK, if my son ends up not being able to carry a tune, that he does not receive a solo in the Spring Concert…no matter how much he wants one. You know what? Even if he can sing, but isn’t one of the best, it is still ok.  I know that you’ll find other ways to encourage him and make him feel proud. I know that you’ll let him know how important his role in the chorus is.

It is OK, if my son has trouble finding his inner actor, to not pick him for a leading role.  He may be crushed for a minute, but I know that you need to do what is right for the other children and the school play.  He’ll understand, because he knows  that everyone has strengths.  We will encourage him to find another way to shine and tell him how important it is to play that small supporting role.  The play couldn’t go on if all characters weren’t cast…no matter how big or small.  After all.

I image that my son will enjoy working on science fair projects each spring.  But, you know what, when it comes time to pick just 5 projects to send to regionals, it is OK to pick others…and not his.  His hard work and the pride that he feels when he presents his experiment should be enough for him.  And, it will motivate him all that much more the following year.  And, trust me, I know how hard it will be for you to pick just 5.  I know that you wish someone else could make those decisions.

I want you to know now that it is OK if his essay is not submitted to the writing contest.  Even though I’m sure he’ll try so hard to be chosen and want so desperately to impress you, sometimes you have to just pick one…and inevitably the other children will feel sad.  I know, without a second of doubt, however, that you’ll pull him aside and tell him how much you enjoyed his story.  You’ll make him want to write again….because writing is fun…even if your story isn’t picked.

It will always be OK if, when some children’s art work gets selected for the art show, his is not.  We will shower him with praise, encourage him to create more, and teach him to congratulate his friends for their creativity and their submissions.  His art will always have a special place in our home.

It is also OK, no matter how much he tries, to sometimes make the decision to leave him on the bench.   I know that you will take time during the season to help him improve, make him feel valuable, and motivate him to dig deeper.  And, because you’ve done such a great job, I know that if the team wins, he will know he has won and played a monumental role in the victory.  Even if his role wasn’t as obvious in the final minutes of a game.

I want to thank you again, because I know that it sometimes feels impossible.  I know that you became a teacher, an instructor, or a coach for so many wonderful reasons.  I know that you had giant aspirations to always be “fair.”  I’m also guessing that you never imagined how many times each year, session, or season you would feel burdened by decisions that have no “fair” answer.

I hope that you know you have our support and gratitude and the love and respect of my child.  Even if you didn’t pick him.  Because…even if you didn’t pick him….you chose him.  You chose to teach him, encourage him, support him, love him, challenge him, push him, excite him, and inspire him.  Your success, loyalty, or impact can not be judged by one, or even several of those difficult decisions.  It is based on the many moments, outside of those decisions, that you made sure to make him know that you are there for him.

I think it is important to tell you….not that you don’t already know….that I don’t expect all parents will feel the same way.  And…that I am by no means speaking for them.  I am simply telling you how I feel.

Thank you in advance for all that you will surely do….and for those difficult decisions you are forced to make.

Sincerely,

Nichole