I'm So Glad We've Had This Time Together

As for all those kids, love them as hard as you can, and believe in them the way nobody else can. Take a risk if you need to. I love the letter published in this issue from a reader who, after reading the essay "The Last Summer of Childhood" in last month's issue, was unexpectedly inspired to plan a special summer with her own children. Let that letter writer inspire you to do something you've always wanted to do for yourself and your family.

As Buddha said, "Be a lamp to your self, be like an island. Struggle hard, be wise. Cleansed of weakness, you will find freedom from birth and old age" (The Dhammapada, translated by P. Lal).

Or, to wrap up on a more contemporary note, we have Jewel:

Lend our voices only to sounds of freedom/No longer lend our strength to that which we wish to be free from/ Fill our lives with love and bravery/And we shall lead a life uncommon

Stay in touch with your thoughts and ideas--you can reach me now and after next month at jouellette@uswest.net. Peace, love, and blessed be!