GON Reader Letter
#1
I Was Reminded of a Poem I Wrote...
Dear Maria,
Thank you for writing such an informative, helpful and heartfelt newsletter.
In reference to your January 29 issue, there is much to let go of while parenting and there is such a balance to maintain as our children exercise their wings.
It is certainly poignant when they begin navigating the world at a greater distance than we are accustomed to having them do. And as you have pointed out, it is important, then, "to have things to look forward to" and to delight in what is immediately present before us.
As I was reading your newsletter this evening I was reminded of a poem I had written so many years ago when my son, David, left home for the first time. This created both a sense of elation and melancholy for the entire family, and certainly brought mixed feelings for him in regard to embracing independence and moving on from that safe haven he knew as
home.
After many years, now in our old age, he is actually living with us once again! And it is a poignant thought that some day, we may be the ones leaving him.
I’ve posted the aforementioned poem below. I hope you enjoy it.
-- Maria Shere
Remnants (by Marie Cristen, 9/13/2005)
An abandoned array
litters the empty nest,
it's inhabitant now flown,
flown the coupe.
Remains shimmer
in odd corners
like flags of shredded light,
as the one whose soul
once filled this room
streaks on at
super-speed,
sparks flying, announcing
travels to virgin ground.
Youth's fervor now melts
the maternal cocoon;
that cocoon
that served as cradle
now smothers,
and those
wings that arrive
singed but stable,
flutter fast
against the draw
to return,
trembling
with speed
to maintain
the distance,
as shock waves
shatter remnants
left behind.
GON Reader
Letter #2
How I know which tablecloth will fit
I have a large kitchen table with six leaves to expand it. I never seemed to be able to find the right size tablecloth when I wanted to use one of the leaves.
To solve the problem, I cut index cards in half and punched a
hole in each to fit over the top of a hanger. I labeled each one according to the size of the tablecloth on the hanger: no leaves, one leaf, two leaves, etc.
Now I know at a glance which tablecloth will fit for the number of leaves I am using.
-- Debbie Drager, Pottstown, PA
GON Reader Letter #3
I created a digital scrapbook of artwork
I scan both of my granddaughters' artwork and have created a digital scrapbook to have forever. The scrapbooks are posted on our family website so our long distance family members, i.e. their other grandparents, can enjoy them as well. They don't take up anything, but virtual space.
-- Barbara May, Fort Lauderdale, FL
