The start of school and parents can't let them go!

School is about to start and I am reading that for many parents this is quite a traumatic experience.  It doesn't seem to matter what grade the child is in, parents, moms especially are having a hard time saying goodbye whether the student is being left at college or will be returning home after their day of learning.  Just last week I read about colleges needing to practically kick the parents out of  their student's dorm room, and then not too subtly asking them to leave the campus and let the student be!  In today's paper I read about a mom who is so overcome with sadness at the thought of saying goodbye to her elementary aged children, she has invented the Talkatoo.  Now instead of little notes in lunch boxes, or a heart drawn on her little girl's hand, she can (and you can too if you buy the Talkatoo), leave a voice message on this little gadget the kid wears around the neck.  When little Johnny or Susie gets homesick during the school day they can listen to the love message from home and not feel so sad!  Geeeesh!  I don't get it.  When I put my first child on the bus to kindergarten I did the happy dance all the way back home.  Did I not love my son?  Of course I did, and I had just sent him off on a great adventure, school.  He had been waiting a long time for this day and I had too.  I still had two little ones at home so did those two and one-half hours drag by?  Hell no, before I turned around three times we were all walking back to the bus stop to get the little guy.  Did he ever cry in the morning or seem to not want to go to school?  No, not until he got to high school and he couldn't get out of bed in the morning.  When I finally had all three in school, what a glorious time.  Did I think about them throughout the day?  Of course, but I went about what I had planned and left their fate in God's good hands.  In fact I wrote a poem about it. 

I watch you walk down the street
on your way into your day.
I smile as you skip along
silently asking God to keep you strong.

May you learn all that will be taught
let know one break your trusting heart.
May you laugh and play
treat others in a way that will enable them to call you, friend.

I go about what I have planned
hoping someone lends you a helping hand
should you be in need of one.
Or may you give the aid if that is what needs to be done. 

Then from this journey you return.
Silently I thank the Lord for bringing you home
safe and happy
and a little more grown.

c.1991

My granddaughter has a little bible book and when she looks through it and gets to a certain page, you'll hear her say in deep voice, "Let my people go!"  It's so cute because she is only 2 and 1/2.  This is good advice for parents of children, (no matter what age they are), who are heading off to school; "Let your children go!" 
Rosemary

Go Figure!

I guess I really do love my job; had to go in today and fix schedules, register a new student and take care of other business, and I feel rejuvinated!  I am always so ready for the breaks that come throughout the year, and I do feel they are necessary to recharge, but I am always happy to get back to work.  Maybe I just need the routine and also the feeling of accomplishment.  There is only so much down time I can handle then I start to feel unproductive and antsy.  Needed to write something, I know this is hardly a profound entry, but it is my blog remember!
Rosemary

To continue the gun debate...

What a feisty dialogue I got started!  The issue in yesterday's post was not to take aim (sorry had to do it), at gun ownership; the issue was directly about the group known as Open Carry demanding the right to openly carry their legal guns at Arts, Beats, and Eats.  Yes, the Supreme Court has upheld the 2nd Amendment and people in this country can legally own a handgun and with the correct permits can take them out of their homes.  I think this is ridiculous and not what our founding fathers had in mind (and certainly God had nothing to do with any of the amendments), but I am not trying to take this right away (at least not with this or my prior blog).  The Supreme Court has said that there can be reasonable restrictions on guns.  Here is a reasonable restriction which is  state law; "places open to the public with seating over 2,500 people, or places where alcohol is sold, are pistol-free zones."  Now the head of Open Carry says that our state law states that municipal property, such as a city or township, cannot be a gun-free zone no matter what is occurring there.  I looked but could not find this info about municipal property anywhere.  No matter, because as I stated in yesterday's blog, it seems Royal Oak cannot afford a lawsuit, Open Carry wins and I am disgusted.  Now to just dispute some of the comments made on facebook.  It was mentioned that two cities ban gun ownership.  I found that D. C. has a ban on handguns, not rifles or shotguns, did not find any other city with a ban on handguns, doesn't mean there isn't one, just that I couldn't find it.  Someone stated that it is very seldom that legal guns are involved in criminal acts.  I read about such occurrences almost daily, and I believe there are three local people right now in courtrooms pleading their cases for accidentally, or on purpose, shooting someone with their legally owned gun.  Someone said that legal gun owners take it very serious and will not be drinking or the cause of any problems and to think otherwise is just left-wing brainwashing.  No it is not, some legal gun owners take it very seriously and will not be drinking or the cause of any problems, not all.  Because not all gun owners are as responsible as this respondent, I don't like the idea at all that anyone can carry their loaded gun anywhere.  On July 19th I wrote a blog about how a gun toting individual at the Westland fair got into an argument with two other people and starting firing off shots.  My grandbabies were there and could have been hit with an errant bullet.  Loaded guns, concealed or openly carried, do not belong where families go, where alcohol is sold, or to any public event.  I really don't get how anyone can argue with this because it is just common sense.
Rosemary

Arts, Beats and Eats and Guns Update

The Arts, Beats and Eats Festival will take place September 3rd through the 6th in Royal Oak.  There will be food, lots of entertainment, booze and guns.  The festival is expected to draw tens of thousands to this small  city in Michigan, but I won't be there.  I might accidentally appear to threaten people like Douglas Holloway who feels he must pack his pistol as he enjoys this family event because the city can't keep him safe from all of the criminals who will attend this event.  Would someone please tell me what Douglas Holloway is envisioning when he says that he would leave his gun at home if his safety and that of his family could be guaranteed at the event.  "I don't think anyone can do that," he told Royal Oak city commissioners.  "You can't stop criminals."   Does he think he is entering a war zone?  Is he thinking another gun toting individual will try to rob him on the street, attack his wife, rape his daughter, beat up his son?  Come on!  And what if this actually happened?  Is he such a sure shot that he would hit the perpetrator and not an innocent child walking by?  Or what if he pulled his pistol from his hip holster and the more experienced criminal lunged for him and the gun went off and he shot his wife in the head?  It could happen, it happens all the time.  When will these gun right activists wake up and realize they do not have the right to endanger me?  And here is the saddest thing and the reality of this country, a retired professor stated that those advocating for guns at the festival were taking advantage of Royal Oak, which like many cities, is struggling to deal with lost revenue and doesn't want a costly lawsuit.  "It seems to be the gun lobby has picked its moment perfectly."  (This is taken directly from today's Free Press article).  It all comes down to money.  The city can't afford to do what's right and the gun idiots know it.  And here is a piece of this ridiculous puzzle I really don't get; if bars are one place that can ban gun carrying individuals, because alcohol and guns just don't mix, why can't the ban be upheld at any event where alcohol can be purchased and consumed on the premises?  I really want to hear from you. 
Rosemary

More Thoughts on Guns

Michigan Open Carry has 200 members statewide, only 200, yet they are making enough noise that Royal Oak may cave and allow guns to be part of Arts, Beats & Eats.  That is a lot of power people.  It frightens me, and it should frighten you.  What exactly is wrong with people like the guy pictured in the Free Press article, laughing in Starbucks while he shows off his 9mm handgun?  I am not impressed.  He is not a man, and I truly wonder about his state of mind.  There are laws protecting me from second  hand smoke, but if I walk just about anywhere, I am in danger of being shot by a moron packing a pistol.  I would rather take my chances with the smoke thank you.  The goal of this group is "to bring gun ownership out of the closet."  Please!  Is displaying your gun on your hip some sort of badge of courage?  They threaten to expose business owners who won't allow people carrying guns on their premises by naming them on the internet.  Good!  I will go to those businesses.  I want this group to let me know via the internet the businesses that welcome them, so I won't take my money there!  Here is some interesting info courtesy of today's Free Press:

"Michigan law allows guns to be carried openly inside many community buildings, such as libraries, city halls and recreation centers.  They are banned in the following: banks and credit unions, churches and other worship areas, courthouses, theaters, sport arenas, day-care centers, hospitals, bars, casinos and college dormitories and classrooms. (Exceptions: Those in charge can choose to allow guns in stores, restaurants, houses of worship and bars.). 

 I am willing to bet that there are more than 200 of us statewide that think this Open Carry thing is not just stupid but really, really dangerous.  I could get shot, just like that, so could you.  We need to be louder than them.  If someone votes to allow guns to be carried anywhere that we the public go, than we need to vote them out and let them know that we will.  Enough is enough, this is not the Wild Wild West, and there has been no war declared in Michigan as far as I know.  I do not want to make the Open Carry people mad, because they have guns, they are legally allowed to walk around with them.  I do, however, want to appeal to their humanness.  I am a living, breathing being, I would like to remain that way and not be the victim of your errant shot.  If you do not have an appointment with your worst enemy, at sundown, at the OK Corral,  would you please leave your gun at home?  Preferably  unloaded and locked up.  Thank you.

Rosemary

Just want to share

 This is another posting that might not fit the "I Just Don't Get It" title, but since it is my blog I can post anything  I want!  This is another contest entry for the writing site I am on.  You had to write a story that started with the line, "Have we met before?"  I like it so I thought I would share it.  It got very good reviews, didn't win but oh well.  Let me know what you think.  Thanks.
Rosemary



"Have we met before?" He uttered these words before I could even sit down. I looked up at him, but I was not sure what to say, how to tell him. I struck a pose and beamed, "Yes, we met in elementary school. You didn't like me much, and I stuck my tongue out at you."

The response was what I expected, surprise, so I continued. "We met again in junior high, at the sock hop. It was fun. You asked me to dance, so shy, but your smile betrayed your confidence and I fell in love. We weren't quite ready yet, and we went our separate ways not to meet again until our junior year in high school."

Now he looked at me completely puzzled, and he slowly took a sip of the drink that was on the table before him. "Would you like something?" he inquired with a steady gaze.

"No, I don't think so. Oh, alright, I'll have what you're having. "So," I began. "Do you remember me?" He seemed to be in deep thought, and then he looked up at me and quietly asked, "Have we met before?"

I set my water down and looked into those confused eyes and replied, "Yes, at the prom. I was with your cousin, and you asked me to dance, so shy, but your smile betrayed your confidence and I fell in love, again. You were going off to college though, and I was just a dance."

"So I know you?" He lifted his head and asked.

"Yes, like no one else on this earth. You know where I hide, you know what I don't say, and you know what I pray for."

"Have we met before?" He asked.

"Yes, at the fair. You were home, graduated from college. I was on the midway, the music was playing, and you asked me to dance, so shy, but your smile betrayed your confidence, and I fell totally in love."

"I'm hungry." he said. "Should we eat now?"

"Yes." I answered. "Let's go to the cafeteria and get our supper."

On the way, he met many people he knew. "Hello Gerry, Gertrude, how are you two ladies doing tonight?" "Sam, haven't seen you in a few days, glad you are up and about again." And they looked at him, at me, and Sam asked, "Does he know you today?"

"No, not today Sam, but I am helping him remember, so maybe tomorrow."

We took our seats at the table, we had both chosen the same thing to eat. He was slathering butter on his potato and eyeing his roast beef when he looked at me and inquired, "Have we met before?"

"Yes, in 1949, at the altar. We said "I do" to each other and then at our reception, with all confidence you asked, "Mrs. Brady, may I have this dance?" And for the second time that day, I answered, "Yes."

"I'm feeling rather tired." he said as he stretched and yawned. Perhaps you'll come back again, I have so enjoyed catching up." We walked together down the hall to his room, I held his elbow to steady him. We entered his room, his bed had been turned down and I led him to it. He sat down. "Have we met before?" He asked as he removed his slippers.

"Yes, my Darling." I answered as I stroked his head. "We met in the delivery room in 1951 and again in 53 and with much joy and astonishment in 1960! We met in the funeral home when our parents passed away, we met again at the grave of our child of 1960. We have met at the altar when our own flesh and blood wed, and at the fountain of salvation when their babies were baptized. We have held hands, touched places only we can touch, and loved so much. Have we met before? Oh yes, I know you." I sat for a minute, preparing to leave. I turned to lay a gentle kiss upon his cheek. I saw a tear meet at the edge of a smile that betrayed all confidence, and I knew I would be back tomorrow hoping to dance. 

R. Schimmel copyright. 2010

A Return to Thoughts on Guns and Other Things

So Carl Mintz, the 27 year-old who now faces a possible prison sentence of up to 10 years probably thought when he exercised his right to gun ownership that he was protecting his life, not ruining it.  What happened?  Well, he was defending himself he says, against a driver who was angry that Mintz kept stepping on his brakes which meant the mad driver had to step on his breaks too (geesh!).  According to Mintz the driver stormed to his car and was screaming and spitting on him and then apparently reached for his pocket, Mintz shot him because he assumed he was going for a weapon.  If we had gun control laws in this country that made it illegal for us to carry handguns, Mintz might have just rolled up his window and driven away because he would not have assumed that the other driver had a gun, and Mintz would not have had a gun to shoot him with so he would not now be looking at a possible prison term.  The real irony in this sad story is that Mintz, who has no prior record, has a degree in criminal justice from Wayne State University!  Geesh, again, what a waste. 

Next thought, wear a helmet when bike riding no matter how stupid you think you might look.  Bad things happen to good people, and an unavoidable accident could happen to you.  I am right now caring for my  husband who has a broken collarbone and twelve staples in his head, it is only by the grace of God that he doesn't have a closed head injury.  It's funny because I have actually had a premonition about something happening.  I talked to my husband the other day about riding the bike with no ID.  I have heard sirens and looked at the clock, thinking "He should be home by now."  so when I saw the police car out the window, I knew.  When I got to the ER and saw that he no longer had a head of white hair, but that half of it had turned bright red, I went numb.  Hearing him cracking jokes with the nurses helped me realize immediately that he was all right, but the blood, I knew how lucky he was.  So he gets it now, as do I, a helmet will protect your head from a fall from a bike and any of us are subject to that fall.

This leads me to my next thought which I have actually been thinking about for a week.  I went to church with my sister-in-law last Sunday while up north, and the priest's sermon reminded us that we don't know when we will be called to give up our life, it could be this very night.  I left church thinking that I don't want my last day to be one filled with anger, envy, disappointment, unhappiness, unpleasantness, arguments, confusion, or anything negative.  Since I don't know when my last day will be, I have to actually try to rid myself of these feelings.  Will I have them?  Of course I will, but then I have to allow myself to be happy for the good things in my life, which are plenty.  This makes me remember a thought read on a stone not too long ago, "The time to be happy is now.  The place to be happy is here."  I get this and I want to get it everyday, because I don't know when my last day will be. 

Last thought, just a question really.  The Yankee Air Museum 2010 Thunder Over Michigan Air Show is this weekend.  It costs adults over 16  thirty dollars to get in and they charge ten dollars for parking.  Why?  A couple with young children will spend seventy dollars to attend this event.  Most likely concessions are sold, and telling the young children "No" at these kind of things is pretty hard and not what you want to do, so it might very well be an eighty or ninety dollar night.  Why is it necessary to charge so much to get in and for parking?  I don't get it do you?
Rosemary

Just irritated

This will be short.  Just now as I was leaving an area store that is accessed by an interior road that leads to other stores, I heard a loud and incessant car horn.  My gaze was on the ground as I walked to my car, but the honking made me lift my head toward the sound.  I saw a car, the mad, honking one, going way too fast down this interior road, and another car crossing over the road headed into the parking lot.  There are no stop or yield signs, yet it is common knowledge that the interior road has the right of way, however, it is not a thoroughfare but part of the retail development (in other words, the parking area).  The car crossing over into the parking lot did indeed have time to cross, but the mad driver going way too fast didn't want to have to slow down at all and I guess felt put out that he would be expected to do so in a busy retail area with many adjacent parking lots!  To me this is just another example of supreme selfishness, and I don't get it.  This is what I would like to say to the driver who felt it so necessary to lay on his horn, even after the other car had crossed; We all have somewhere to be, we all have somewhere to go, look around, there are many on the road, you are not alone damn it, so SLOW DOWN and let us all get safely to where we need to be.  Thank you.
Rosemary
PS  Couldn't post this yesterday as I was interrupted, this will be explained in a later blog.

Communication

It isn't that there hasn't been fabulous things to question and write about, I have just been away.  I spent a little more than a week without the need or desire to check e-mail, look at facebook, or post a blog.  I can't tell you how relaxing it was to not need to be connected in any way to unseen faces.  Why do we communicate this way?  I know that it is quicker, easier, and less risky to chat, opine, and do business via the internet but I believe we are losing the ability to really, really communicate.  I am just thinking out loud and rambling on a bit as I love the internet, but I do fear its grasp.  Anyway, communication, it is an art, an ability and I do believe that society as a whole suffers from the lack of real communication in part due to the internet.  Talking in person does not occur as often as it did in the past because we don't need to be face to face; even hearing each others' voices as we communicate is not as prevalent as it once was as talking on the phone has been replaced with texting!  As the world turns, right?  I get it, but I don't necessarily think it is for the best.
Rosemary