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Finding Her Here

I am becoming the woman I've wanted,
grey at the temples,
soft body, delighted,
cracked up by life
with a laugh that's known bitter
but, past it, got better,
knows she's a survivor --
that whatever comes,
she can outlast it,
I am becoming a deep
weathered basket.

I am becoming the woman I've longed for,
the motherly lover
with arms strong and tender,
the growing up daughter
who blushes surprises.
I am becoming full moons
and sunrises.

I find her becoming,
this woman I've wanted,
who knows she'll encompass,
who knows she's sufficient,
knows where she's going
and travels with passion.
Who remembers she's precious,
but knows she's not scarce --
who knows she is plenty,
plenty to share.

by Jayne Relaford Brown

Table of Contents

DEATH OF AN INNOCENT

I went to a party, Mom, I remembered what you said.
You told me not to drink, Mom, so I drank soda instead.
I really felt proud inside, Mom, the way you said I would.
I didn't drink and drive, Mom, even though the others said I should.

I know I did the right thing, Mom, I know you are always right.
Now the party is finally ending, Mom, as everyone is driving out of sight.
As I got into my car, Mom, I knew I'd get home in one piece.
Because of the way you raised me, so responsible and sweet.

I started to drive away, Mom, but as I pulled out into the road,
the other car didn't see me, Mom, and hit me like a load.
As I lay there on the pavement, Mom, I hear the policeman say,
the other guy is drunk, Mom, and now I'm the one who will pay.

I'm lying here dying, Mom. I wish you'd get here soon.
How could this happen to me, Mom? My life just burst like a balloon.
There is blood all around me, Mom, and most of it is mine.
I hear the medic say, Mom, I'll die in a short time.

I just wanted to tell you, Mom, I swear I didn't drink.
It was the others, Mom. The others didn't think.
He was probably at the same party as I.
The only difference is, he drank and I will die.
Why do people drink, Mom? It can ruin your whole life.
I'm feeling sharp pains now. Pains just like a knife.
The guy who hit me is walking, Mom, and I don't think it's fair.
I'm lying here dying and all he can do is stare.

Tell my brother not to cry, Mom. Tell Daddy to be brave.
And when I go to heaven, Mom, put "Daddy's Girl" on my grave
Someone should have told him, Mom, not to drink and drive.
If only they had told him, Mom, I would still be alive.

My breath is getting shorter, Mom. I'm becoming very scared.
Please don't cry for me, Mom. When I needed you, you were always there.
I have one last question, Mom, before I say good bye.
I didn't drink and drive, so why am I the one to die?

Author unknown - submitted by Chris

[Table of Contents]

The Parenting Test

How many times have you heard the comment that people have to take a test to drive a car, but anyone can be a parent? A test is needed. And not one with a bunch of Bozo questions like 'How many servings of vegetables are required for a three-year old female living in Boise who walks 4.3 miles day?' No, this test will ask the REAL questions. Are you ready to find out if you have the right stuff to be a parent in the 90s? Get those number two pencils ready. And let's keep our eyes on our own papers, people.

Section One --- Mathmatics

For each problem, estimate the total number of times this phrase is used per parent per week.
(2 points per question)

  1. I don't care what the other kids get to do.
  2. ... and this time I really mean it.
  3. Somebody's going to get hurt doing that.
  4. See, I told you somebody was going to get hurt doing that.
  5. Now we're REALLY going to be late.
  6. One ... I'm counting ... two ... I'm counting ...
  7. Because I'm the Mommy (Daddy).
  8. Let's not discuss that at the dinner table.
  9. Why is your brother (sister) crying?
  10. Okay ... but only five more minutes.

Section Two -- Fill in the Blank

Write the correct word in the blank.
(3 points per question)

  1. Tickle Me ____________.
  2. 101 _________________.
  3. The Berenstain _________.
  4. Clifford, the Big _________ Dog.
  5. _______________ Nuggets.
  6. _______________ Meals.
  7. Please won't you be my _____________?

Section Three -- Matching

Match each vocabulary word with its definition.
(4 points per question).

  1. Amoxicillin
  2. Legos
  3. Pull-Ups
  4. Push-Ups
  5. Tubes

  1. Small bits of plastic designed to accentuate any style of carpeting.
  2. Either a recreational device origally developed for hamsters, but since adapted for use by children in fast food restaurants OR that which is placed in ears when Letter "C" fails.
  3. A pink sustance which is usually a regular part of a toddler's diet.
  4. A frozen food amazingly devoid of any nutritional value.
  5. A disposable article of clothing which one swears will only be necessary for a few more weeks.

Section Four -- Problem Solving

Briefly describe the solution to each problem.
(5 points per question)

  1. It is 8:50a.m. School starts at 9a.m. Where are your car keys?
  2. She says that he started it. He says she started it. Who's right?
  3. You are attempting to go to the post office with two very large packages, two very small children, zero very close parking places, and one frazzled parent. How will you accomplish this?
  4. At 7p.m., you must be at dance class with Debbie, Cub Scouts with Carl, and soccer with Susie. Without any King Soloman manuevers, how will this be done?

Section Five -- Essay

Answer the question and defend your choice.
(19 points)

Which of the 'Big V's' has made a bigger contribution to parenting --
Vacuum cleaners
'Velcro'
or the VCR?

by Cheryl Rogers, shared by Leeann

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