Tuesday, August 2, 2005

More things that inspire me 1. My daughter, who makes me want to write poetry for the first time in about 26 years (I think I stopped after 7th grade, when I didn't win the school prize for best poem. Pathetic--stopping, I mean--especially having seen "Dodgeball" tonight. Watch it, and after the surprise appearance by Mr. Tour de France, you'll know what I mean.) Anyway, my daughter makes me compose odes in my head; she's had that effect on me since the moment she entered the world. Maybe you'll see them here first, if they ever make it out of my besotted brain. 2. Mieke who has had her tough breaks of late (and she's too good to write about them) but still manages to be the most caring, giving, kind friend anyone could ever wish to have. If you haven't read her latest post about the California Supreme Court's ruling about extending "marriage" benefits to gay couples, do. This decision felt particularly sweet to me, too, for lots of reasons, not least because of the mother and daughter Dido and I met at the park yesterday. Mom is a cop in a small community near here; she's the adoptive mother of a little girl who spent time in four different foster homes before finally finding her mom. This little girl (who charmed the pants off of Dido and his two little boy friends by equalling their lion roars) is, as her mom explained, the child of a second generation prostitute and a felon with a record dating back practically to his birth. A family member, who was her last foster parent, turned her back into the system for reasons unknown. She found her way into the system in the first place because her birth mother (who by age eighteen had four children, by different men) left her 22 month old daughter in the car while she left to service a client. How can anyone hear this story, and not stand and cheer anyone, straight or gay, who wants to love this child (funny, imaginative, beautiful) and give her a stable home? 3. Caring comments from friends who make me want to write more, more, more here. Thanks, Harry (can I call you that?) 4. My son, who conquered his not inconsiderable fears today and was a champ throughout his first swim lesson with a new teacher. He is the kindest, most beautiful boy, and he makes me sing and dance around the kitchen. 5. My husband, who never ceases to amuse me with his wit and impress me with his brilliance, and who in his lowest moments is still so incredibly kind, loyal and true. He inspires me to always, always try to take the right and righteous course. That's enough for tonight. 10:36:20 PM     comment [] trackback []