La semana pasada

There were a few moments of joy; when the sun rose, made the eyes squint; then went on to blanket us with brightness. But this is early February in Seattle; it's cold and rain or clouds are not far away.

Memphis is settling into first grade overachiever mode; trying to be ready for second grade curriculum with all the eagerness of a young bird after the first few long flights away from the Mother tree. She excels at many things [are they really 'things'] which is like saying she is panoramic in her curiosities. I often sit back and wonder what source she draws from: is it my blood, Deborah's or her own identity - free from ancestry - emerging?

Like some parents of children in Seattle Public Schools; we're learning to manage expectations for world class education. We want excellence for all children [Deborah has made a personal commitment to this - at least in our time together as partners - see Atrium and PTSA investments as proof] but not at the expense of our own child's immediate experience. The district is blessed with passionate; determined adults who want the same. But they [perhaps] have a longer view of the outcomes; given their children are either past K12 education or carefully monitored to stay on track.

What do we want from our public schools? Integration. What does this mean? It's not about race. I believe it's about the blend of gifts brought forward from each child; each family connected to the child. When this blend works; it's God blessed magic. And [unfortunately] when it does not work; we're all frustrated and thus retreat to taking care of our own; and only our own child. It seems to work most often in the arts; where choreography [as one example] is an integral part of the process of creating a sum from children working together. Perhaps the academic classroom needs a sum; which then prompts a need for more choreography.

Met an old carpool amigo for lunch Wednesday. He's in a new biz; with a new speedy car. I like the guy [and his family, values - do we still talk about these?]. What's odd [maybe sad] is that we don't hook up often; even infrequently, yet we live like a mile apart. He had to drive to Redmond to see me [when we could have walked to each other's home]. Anyway; we'll help each other make our families stronger and the neighborhood brighter.

Later in the week Sarita and Ken met us for 'Spaghetti Factory' dinner. Wasn't good; actually made my tummy rumble all night. But I'll take the company anytime. It is a HUGE blessing to have my sister in the same city. It's like we're catching up after all these years [which never existed because we slept in different houses]. But as I was sharing with Deborah; makes me miss my brother Eric even more.

I'm hunting for hom bow; see ya.

frank