DON'T VOTE

5 More Friends

You Can Vote However You Like

Lyrics:


Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like
You can vote however you like, yeah

Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like
You can vote however you like, yeah

(McCain supporters)
McCain's the best candidate
With Palin as his running mate
They'll fight for gun rights, pro life,
The conservative right
Our future is bright
Better economy in site
And all the world will feel our military might

(Obama supporters)
But McCain and Bush are real close right
They vote alike and keep it tight
Obama's new, he's younger too
The Middle Class he will help you
He'll bring a change, he's got the brains
McCain and Bush are just the same
You are to blame, Iraq's a shame
Four more years would be insane

Lower your Taxes - you know Obama Won't
PROTECT THE LOWER CLASS - You know McCain won't!
Have enough experience - you know that they don't
STOP GLOBAL WARMING - you know that you won't

I want Obama
FORGET OBAMA
Stick with McCain and you're going to have some drama
We need it
HE'LL BRING IT
He'll be it
YOU'LL SEE IT
We'll do it
GET TO IT
Let's move it
DO IT!

Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like
You can vote however you like, yeah

Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah

I'm talking big pipe lines, and low gas prices
Below $2.00 that would be nice

But to do it right we gotta start today
Finding renewable ways that are here to stay

I want Obama
FORGET OBAMA,
Stick wit McCain you gone have some drama
MORE WAR IN IRAQ
Iran he will attack
CAN'T BRING OUR TROOPS BACK
We gotta vote Barack!

Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah

Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah

Meeting in the Ladies Room

Sorry fellas, I need a little girl talk right now, so if you don't mind?

Ok, ladies, I need to work off a little stress and they say that confession is good for the soul, right?

So, here's the confession. . . a few years ago, I fell in love with a man, who unbeknownst to me, despite repeated inquiries from me, was married with kids! So, I pretty much reamed him a new backside when I found out, but this really messed me up good. I don't get attached often but when I do, I fall hard and once the heat of anger passed, I hurt. . . but good.

So, fast forward to about a year ago, I ran into this man by chance. I had not spoken to or seen him since that final confrontation. He walked up to my table, hesitantly and offered me a sincere apology for his actions.

"You deserved so much better than what I did to you and I'm really sorry."

I felt better because he made no attempt to defend his actions, none of the usual trite, "she don't understand me" bull crap that some might say. So, I accepted his apology and we went on our separate ways.

I will tell you though, for weeks after that meeting, I dreamed about him and was reminded of all the things I loved about him. Now, I didn't act on those thoughts, but I just wanted you to know that they were there.

Ok, so tonight, I took two of my nieces and my son to see a play. We were paying for the tickets when who should walk up behind us? Yes, you got it. My nemesis.

Ok, since it's just us girls here, this man is so pretty to me. Let me indulge for a quick sec. . . smooth dark chocolate skin, snow white teeth, perfectly straight, just under 6 feet talk, well built, I mean, well-built. When I last saw him, he had freeform dreadlocs at mid-back. Now it's cut in a small afro, but I easily remembered how I used to love grabbing handfuls of his hair and pulling him down to me. . . oh, I'm sorry. I'm back now. He took my breath away. My niece said later in the car, "did you see his face when he saw you?" What she described was a combination of shock and absolute pleasure. He was glad to see me. He hesitated for a brief second, checked in to see if it was ok and gave me the best hug. He then stayed with us while we waited for the play to start, introduced himself to and charmed my children. Charmed me. Again.

When the play was over and I turned my cell back on, I found the following text message (oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I gave him my phone number):

This is ____. I hope this is not inappropriate seeing how I fell off
the earth, but I am happy about your submission, your son is wonderful and you
are as beautiful as when I first saw you at the library. I hope we can
talk.

Now I know myself well enough to know that I would never knowingly get involved with a married man. I also know that I had no business giving that man my phone number. I sorta kinda justified it in my head because he is a published author and playwrite and I know he was interested in hearing about my current projects. I felt a part of me melt when he told me he'd been having writer's block for the past couple years and the therapist in me wanted to offer a sounding board. Part of me wanted an opportunity to clear up a couple things. He looked at my son questioningly and asked a lot of questions about his age and such; truthfully, he and my son look alike, but of course, my baby is adopted.

Anyway, these are all excuses, I know that. I was crazy about this man. The kinda crazy that I know that I can never be anywhere private with him. Even knowing what I know, I'd jump his ass in a second. Y'all, I could not breathe and my heart kept jumping in and out of my chest cavity, down to my stomach, a little lower and then back again. He had my intellectual, emotional and sexual number and despite all that has transpired, not to mention his wife and two daughters, tonight, he took my breath away.

I need a reality check. That's why I'm writing all of this down. Maybe if I see my delusion in print, I might sober up. I'm also hoping that a couple of you will lovingly chastise me to stay on the straight and narrow.

Help a sista out! This is not what I was looking for when I put my Love List out into the universe!

Public Service Announcement

After watching the final debate last week it dawned on me that Obama
could actually win this thing!  If that happens there will be a lot of
people (some of our co-workers included) who will be afraid that an
Obama presidency will usher in the end of days.  They'll be watching us
on November 5th (the day after the election) for "signs of the end"
times.  To keep the peace and keep a lot of folks from getting nervous,
I think we should develop a list of acceptable celebrations and
behaviors we should probably avoid - at least for the first few days:

1)        No crying, hugging or shouting "Thank you, Lord" - at
least not in public

2)       No high-fives - at least not unless the area is clear and
there are no witnesses.

3)       No laughing at the McCain/Palin supporters.

4)       No calling in sick on November 5th.  They'll get nervous if
too many of us don't show up.

5)       We're allowed to give each other knowing winks or nods in
passing.  Just try to keep from grinning too               
          hard.

6)        No singing loudly, "We've Come This Far By Faith"  (it WILL
be acceptable to hum softly).

7)        No bringing barbeque ribs or fried chicken for lunch in the
company lunchroom for at least a week (no           
          chitterlings AT ALL!  This may make us seem too ethnic.)

8)        No leaving Kool-aid packages at the water fountain. 

9)        No Cupid Shuffle during breaks (this could indicate a little
too much excitement.)

10)      Please no Moving On Up music  (we are going to try to remain
humble.)

    If I've missed anything, feel free to add to the list.  I just want
to make sure we're all on the same page when Obama brings this thing
home on November 5th.  Now let's make this thing happen!!! 

(Thanks, Earl!)

It's in the mail

I am attaching another inspiring message from my pastor, Rev Thomas L Murray. I am working on building patience because I know I am waaaayy too influenced by our "fast food" society: I want what I want when and where I want it!!

But I'm a believer, and I have got to remember that God is in control and that His promises are sure. I've asked for movement within my family and I am assured that He will answer my prayers. It's in the mail, y'all . . . I just need to wait.

This message was right on time for me. I hope it blesses you!

"IT'S IN THE MAIL"

Recently I spoke with a friend of mine about a package that he had promised to send and that I had not yet received. He assured me that he had sent it and that I should expect to receive it any day, and he went on to say, "it's in the mail". Just the thought of knowing that it had indeed been sent and that it was in the mail relieved me from the anticipation that comes with waiting . All too often in life, as believers we wait for our prayers to be answered, our situations to get better, the economy to improve, and God's promises to be made manifest in our lives -- there is a sense of expectation that God is going to do something about the situation that we find ourselves in. Many times when we expect something in the natural we have faith that it will soon come, ie. that income tax refund check, the stimulus payment, the rebate check, the closing papers...and we wait with a sense of urgency, looking through the mail everyday, waiting on the mail person to arrive. And once the mail finally gets there, we are over-joyed. Isaiah 40: 31, gives us a wonderful promise as believers and lets us know that those who truly rely upon God and commit themselves to His guidance, shall find that God will not fail them. As you go into this day, move forward with a spirit of expectation knowing that what you have entrusted into the hands of God will not go unnoticed and be prepared to celebrate and give God praise once you get what you have been waiting for.

Be blessed,

Pastor Thomas L. Murray
ptlm@aol.com

Brillante Weblog Award

I have been honored with the Brillante Award by my blog friend The True Urban Queen!! Thanks Sharon!! I started this blog as sort of a public diary of sorts, a way for me to process the good and the bad that comes through my life and mind. I am surprised and humbled to find that people read what I write and at times are touched by my words. This is truly a God-given, unexpected bonus for me.

So, thanks again Sharon. Thanks to each of my fellow bloggers who've stopped by or have allowed me to come by their place. Thanks to those of you who comment, whether in agreement or not, and even the lurkers; thanks!

The rules are as follow:

1. The winner can put the logo on his/her blog.

2. The winner must link to the person from whom they received their award.

3. The winner must nominate at least 7 other blogs for the award.

4. The winner must place links to those blogs on their own blog.

5. The winner must leave a message on the blogs of the people they’ve nominated.

According to the rules , I am supposed to present this award to 7 other bloggers. Unfortunately (or fortunately), my blog circle is relatively small. The ones I considered first have already been awarded. They are truly well deserved and if you get a chance, check out MsKnowItAll, The HappyGoLuckyBachelor, and TheTrueUrbanQueen.

I would also like to bestow this award on the following:

Homeland Colors: insightful political commentary

Sitting On the Big Porch: gifted prose and fiction writer

BAPLiving: Ms. Leeke has developed an AMAZING social networking site for African-American professional women

Speak to my heart

I needed a little encouragement today. I'm meeting with my school board this week to discuss my child's school placement. I'm feeling discouraged by the lack of cooperation and compassion and I hate each day leaving my son in the care of non-caring folk. I'm praying for peace so that I can be the best advocate as possible for my son.

Anyway, Marvin Sap's version of Donnie McClurkin's classic was just what I needed today. May it bless you also!

We've come a long way . . .

. . . and the sky is the limit on how much further we could go. . .

VOTE NOVEMBER 4th 2008

Great News!

I have great news from this weekend. My son joined our church, made his first confession of faith and is now a candidate for baptism!!!

All praises to God!

He surprised me too. We have been talking about baptism but he kept saying he was not ready and so, we had not spoken of it in a couple weeks. Imagine my surprise when members of the children's church came over to stand before the adult congregation and MY SON was among the group. I think everybody in the building heard my holla!!!

In other news, we have decided to loc his hair!! I had (still have) some reservations, mostly due possible peer pressure and how he will handle being outside of the norm at school. He's only 7 after all.

But here's our dilemma: he doesn't want to wear it cut low (neither do I); but when it gets this length, we struggle more with the brush and comb, which usually leads to arguments in the morning (neither of us likes this). He has made references about other people he knows who are loc'd and he likes the look of it. My hair is in twists 80% of the time and I notice he likes to play in my hair too. Anyway, we were snuggling Saturday night while watching a movie and I started playing in his hair. Before I knew it, the first row was twisted and we both liked what we saw. He wanted to do the whole head, and I talked him out of it.

We spent Sunday afternoon with family and I finally gave in to the pressure; his, my sister's and nieces/nephew.

So, after some trial and error, I finally decided to start his locs with braids. Now here comes the challenge. I need research and advice now on how to maintain them, especially after the loc'ing process begins. If anyone has any suggestions or knowledge to pass on, I'll gladly receive it.

So, here's my proud boy!

Untitled 2

by Afua Cooper

when flesh and flesh

meet

nothing can stop

their union

when heart and heart

meet

nothing can stop the

passion

when soul and soul

kiss

who can stop the

love?

Keith Olbermann MSNBC

I think he feels strongly about this

Barack Roll

published by hmatkin Aug 9,2008

2008 GERTRUDE JOHNSON WILLIAMS LITERARY CONTEST 14th Annual Competition in Short Fiction

The Contest begins 8:00 am (CT), October 3, 2008, and ends 11:59 pm (CT), November 3, 2008. Submissions received after this period will be disqualified. All entries must be: (a) original, never-before published, short stories; (b) in English; (c) works of prose; (d) no more than 2500 words in length (no exceptions); (e) typed; and (f) double-spaced in a standard 12 pt. font (i.e., Arial or Times Roman). Poetry and/or song lyrics will not be considered. The story title, author and page number must be listed on each page of the essay. Failure to adhere to the above will result in disqualification. Limit one entry per person. All entries must be submitted electronically using the online submission tool provided. Entries by mail will not be accepted or considered.

See website for complete official contest rules.

Good Luck!!

Wanda Sykes - Wall Street Bailout

I love, love, love this woman. I want receipts too!

Living, Love and Infidelity

Ships at a distance have every man's wish on board. For some they come in with the tide. For others they sail forever on the horizon, never out of sight, never landing until the Watcher turns his eyes away in resignation, his dreams mocked to death by Time. That is the life of men.

Now, women forget all those things they don't want to remember, and remember everything they don't want to forget. The dream is the truth. Then they act and do things accordingly. (from Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora Neale Hurston).

This is one of my favorite novels. Ms. Hurston brilliantly describes the inspiring story of Janie Crawford, a black woman who refuses to live lost in sorrow, bitterness, fear or foolish romantic dreams.

We need more Janie Crawfords, truly we do; or more of us need to take on her attitude about life. My younger brother was tragically killed in 1996; I feel his loss almost as keenly today as I did the moment I was informed of his death. My beloved grandmother, my most favorite person in the whole world, then went home to glory in 2002. I miss not being able to share my son with her. Their losses taught me how to focus on life and love and everything in between and to treasure the time that I have, right now! Right now is all we got!!

People who know me well will confirm that I rarely complain about anything. Not because things are so perfect for me, but because I have learned that when I feel dissatisfied about something, that's my clue to do something; either to change/fix the problem or change my perception of the problem. This is my approach to family problems, problems on the job, parenting, and most especially in my relationships.

It's blowing through the wind now. My blog friend Mike, is also exploring this topic today and a quick glance at his reader comments suggests that men and women have different ideas about this issue. A real life friend of mine just discovered her husband's extensive, blatant infidelity; she's has renamed him, "Man-hoe." His response to her confrontation? "Aw, that was nothing; don't worry, I'm not going anywhere, we're going to work this out."

So if I may paraphrase (and take some liberties with) Ms Hurston , men are always looking to the horizon for the next best thing or dream, and women spend their time trying to forget the things that prevent them from pursuing their dreams.

Cheating or infidelity is a betrayal. A betrayal to your vows, a betrayal to your partner and a betrayal to yourself. Period. Cheaters are cowards and like cowards, choose avoidance rather than confrontation to solve problems. Ask me if I feel strongly about this.

My friend's husband didn't even make the attempt to say that he wouldn't cheat again and my friend is trying to figure out if it's worth the effort for her to force him out of her house and her life. But then she calls, emails, IM's and texts me that she can't stand to be around him and that she has a lump in her throat that she can't get rid of. She doesn't want to be alone and yet remaining in this toxic relationship prevents her from finding the one who may be able to cherish her in the way she deserves.

Ok, in my head, it's real clear, shit or get off the pot! If his infidelity is the deal breaker for you; leave his ass! If not, then stop complaining about it and settle in. In my mind, I don't see the need to wait on what HE will do; my girl needs to make a decision based on what's best for HER.

Life is too short to be miserable!! Living one's life surrounded by bitterness and regret is not living. People who are unhappy in their relationships have other choices than infidelity (that's both MEN and women). 1) you can choose to honor your vows and do what you can to work it out, 2) or if you decide that being with this person no longer meets your needs, tell them and find a civil way to walk away.

Blog Action Day 08

Thanks, Lovebabz!



Today I am blogging with Blog Action Day 08 to raise awareness about poverty. People and organizations are working world wide to develop action plans to resolve poverty. This world, but particularly this country, can no longer function with the attitude "I've got mine, go get yours." If one of us is suffering, it truly means suffering for us all.

According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data, 37 million Americans—one in eight—lived below the federal poverty line in 2005, defined as an annual income of $19,971 for a family of four. Yet poverty touches a far greater share of the population over the course of their lives: A 1997 study by University of Michigan economist Rebecca Blank found that one-third of all U.S. residents will experience government-defined poverty within a 13-year period. The poorest age group is children, with more than one in six living in official poverty at any given time. (read more)

For example, there was an announcement on the local news yesterday morning from the Housing Authority about recent availability of housing units. People were encouraged to apply. They had 23 units; more than 500 eligible people applied.

Where are the other 477 to go? What will they do?

Will the local community feel the impact of this housing shortage? Most certainly. It will be experienced as increases in homelessness, crime, infant mortality rates and other signs of financial unrest.

The bible says "the poor will be with us always,"; I don't believe that this is a get out of jail free card for those of us who have been blessed NOT to live in poverty. The only reason that poverty even exists in our world is due to our self-centered mindset.

Solutions: share your blessings generously, either with your church, synagogue or other spiritual places of worship. There are a plethora of organizations throughout cities across the globe with missions to relieve suffering; share not only your financial resources, but your resources of time and attention, as well.

Do what you can to help build up those around you. Illiteracy should be completely obliterated in this high tech world we live in; but the rates are as high now as ever. Each one; teach one.

With everyone making a commitment to do just one thing, we can change things!

Are you willing to commit yourself to the end of poverty today?

(hug)

by Saundra Sharp

i found it
of all places
under the bed

that hug
you left

i thought by mistake
until it
curled itself
around my toes

then i knew
you
left it there
on purpose.

Narrow minded bigotry

The letter below refers to a 2007ruling in the Senate to determine the national language of the United States. Senators Obama and Clinton, among others, voted against this ruling and are now being vilified as anti-patriots. It was forwarded to me by a die-hard Republican. One of the things I love most about being an American citizen is that everyone has the opportunity to speak their minds and everyone has a role to play in the democratic process. So, I don't expect complete agreement on every issue, but I would hope that people would consider all facts and work towards making INFORMED decisions about candidates. There are a couple things that greatly concern me about Republican conservatists, 1) their elitist and inclusive attitudes and 2) their refusal to attend to ANY information that contradicts their worldviews.

The person sending this to me interpreted this ruling as evidence against Obama. "See, Obama is no patriot nor is he a statesman. He is just out for the next 4 years and his own gain. He wants to take away money from hard working people and give to people who haven't earned it though he himself will use all of the built in loopholes to keep his own money."

Aside from the fact that the American Indians probably did NOT speak English when certain Europeans decided to take over North America; aside from the fact that the national language could've just as easily been German, French or Spanish, except for the fact that the English were the most vicious in their takeover, how does wanting a more inclusive language, one that represents the diversity that is this country, represent Anti-patriotism? I'm also not impressed that this letter was written by a retired Colonel. I am a military veteran, formerly a Captain in the United States Air Force and I say, this argument is full of holes and rhetoric and is designed solely to incite fear and resentment!


Anyway, my opinion. Read below and share yours!

************************************************************************************************************************************

The Colonel and Mr. Lincoln--really interesting

TAKE A FEW MOMENTS AND READ THIS LETTER. THESE ARE STRONG, POWERFUL AND COURAGEOUS WORDS COMING FROM A RETIRED COLONEL AND READ WHAT LINCOLN HAD TO SAY AT THE END. WOW!

33 Senators Voted Against English as America 's Official Language on June 6, 2007.

On Wed. 6 June 2007, Colonel Harry Riley, USA, Ret. wrote:

Senators:

Your vote against an amendment to the immigration Bill 1348.... to make English America's official language is astounding.

On D-Day, no less, when we honor those that sacrificed in order to secure the bedrock, character and principles
of America, I can only surmise your vote reflects a loyalty to illegal aliens. I don't much care where you come from. What your religion is. Whether you're black, white, or some other color...male or female......Democrat, Republican or Independent....... But I do care when you are a United States Senator representing Citizens of America ...and Vote against English as the official language of the United States. Your vote reflects Betrayal. Political Surrender. Violates Your Pledge of Allegiance. Dishonors historical principle. Rejects Patriotism. Borders on traitorous act ion and, in my opinion, makes you unfit to serve as a United States Senator...impeachment... Recall........Or other appropriate action is warranted, or worse.

Four of you voting against English as America 's Official Language are Presidential Candidates: Senator Biden,
Senator Clinton, Senator Dodd and Senator Obama.

Four Senators vying to lead America, but won't, or don't, have the courage to cast a vote in favor of English as America's Official Language when 91% of American Citizens want English officially designated as our language.

This is the second time in the last several months this list of Senators have disgraced themselves as 'political
Hacks'..... Unworthy as Senators and certainly unqualified to serve as President of the United States .

If America is as angry as I am, you will realize a backlash so stunning it will literally 'rock you out of your
socks'......... And preferably totally out of the United States Senate.

The entire immigration bill is a farce... Your action only confirms this really isn't about America... it is about
self-serving politics......despicable at best. It has been said:

'Never Argue with an Idiot....They'll drag you down to their level!'

PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN SAID:

'Congressmen who willfully take actions during wartime that damages morale and undermine the military are saboteurs and should be arrested, quickly tried and hanged!!!'

What happens here, stays here

Just in case you've ever wondered, there is a very good reason that women, once we reach a certain age, rarely go out in packs. That's because, inevitably, there will be trouble.

A good friend is celebrating her birthday this month and corralled a group of us to hang out with her this past Saturday night. We found interesting ways to abandon husbands, boyfriends, and children alike. Once we had our families safely and comfortably settled, we broke out on the town like bats out of hell and it was on for the rest of the night.

Without giving away the details (to protect the innocent), the evening involved an overabundance of alcohol, single dollar bills, scantily clad 20-somethings and no photographs. We rounded the evening up with sirens, flashing blue lights, and giggly dumb blond explanations.

Don't worry, we all made it safely home, back into the loving nooks of our beloveds, with nothing more than a good story to tell our grandchildren and secret smiles in our hearts.

I can't wait til next year!

Counting My Blessings

The old folk used to say that when the devil gets busy, it's because he knows that you are being set up for a blessing and is doing all he can to block it. If there is even a grain of truth in this adage, then my cup will soon be overflowing. Over the past week and a half, I have had several lessons in patience, self-restraint, and discernment. At times, I promise, it seemed that the harderI try, the more that monkey was riding shotgun all over me!

I'm learning though, and this is significant, to not let Satan find any purchase in my life. If I let him have an inch, I might as well make room for him to stay awhile. A friend of mine who briefly stopped by my blog a few weeks ago said that I'm using this space as a public journal; she remarked about how clearly this was at times, a cathartic exercise.

She's right, but I'm learning that even in this forum, I need to be mindful of what I speak and what messages I send.

So, rather than give in to the temptation of reporting on all that has gone wrong recently, I'm going to focus on detailing a few of my hundreds of thousands of blessings instead. So, in no particular order,

1. God woke up each member of my family this morning and we were clothed in our right minds (well, most of us anyway).

2. I have a career that I love and a job that covers my bills.

3. I have the gift of the most sweetest adorable little boy God ever created. In the past, when I've thought about the type of child I wanted, God was obviously taking notes. Example: while driving through the drive-through at McDonald's this evening, I was multi-tasking as usual: yakking on the cell phone, placing my order and repairing my lipstick. My son interrupted and told the attendant to add a cup of coffee to my order. I looked at him, distracted of course, and was just about to reprimand him, until I realized what he was doing. He rememberted the coupon for free coffee that I'd been complaining about NOT using for the past couple weeks. My thoughtful child was watching his mommie's back!

4. I recently received a promotion that I did not apply for or expect to receive.

5. $800 recently found it's way into my wallet without any real work on my part.

6. It's the weekend, baby!!!

7. We have a comfortable home to live in and a car that moves us from point A to point B without problem.

8. I have a church, spiritual leadership and spiritual brothers and sisters that practice love and outreach daily.

9. I have an active and agile mind that leads me to all sorts of situations, solutions and people.

10. I still have hope.

The Perfect Man

PICTURE OF A PERFECT MAN

Damage control

I haven't posted in awhile about our therapy sessions. We have both been working at hard in our sessions, but as anyone one who has tried probably knows, change is difficult!

While things have improved at home and in other settings, my son's behavior at school has gradually deteriorated. It's been frustrating, for him and me, and I have chosen not to linger on the bad parts, just trying to build up his areas of success. However, a recent incident at school has pushed me to the point where I am about to pull him out of that environment.

Y'all, they broke my baby down on Wednesday!

I received a call from the school that my son was being disobedient and defiant. He was said to be walking in and out of the building without permission and was talking back to the staff. I informed the staff that I was enroute and would be there in about 10 minutes and I would handle him then.

I arrived at the school to find my son, OUTSIDE, standing near the curb of a busy intersection, ALONE, no adult supervision, pacing back and forth and crying his little heart out. You know, the kinda of deep cries where you can't even make noise anymore? Yeah, that!!

He saw me and immediately ran to me. I asked him to wait by the door until I could go in and check him out. When I went inside the cafeteria, where his aftercare program is held, I found about 30 children all lined up at the bank of windows, looking and laughing at my son's distress. The 4 or 5 adults who should have been caring for him, were also at the window. When they saw me, one of them had the decency to start to instruct the children to move away from the window.

I was furious!

I approached the sign-out table and then was loudly informed by the Aftercare coordinator that my son had been suspended from aftercare for 5 days due to his disobedience. I looked at her like the crazy person I now knew her to be and turned away without speaking. Just as I was headed for the door, one of the children cried out,

"Look, he gon, Ms ___, he's running down the street."

I immediately left, panicked that my child was no longer in my line of sight, got in the car and went after him. At this point, he was at the intersection, which was crowded with commuter traffic. A couple parents had gotten out of their cars, looking, trying to see if they could offer assistance. Another car had also stopped, and a strange woman approached my child who was walking, alone, with his little backpack on, crying his heart out.

I called to him and he did not respond. I called again, he looked back and started crying harder! I was finally able to pull my car off the road and park it and as I approached he screamed,

"No, you're mad at me! You don't love me! You don't want to be my mommy and I don't want you for my mommy anymore!"

I didn't say anything in response other than to take him by the hand, hug him and then put him in the car.

Did I hear anything from the school staff, who, for all they knew, my child had been hit by one of the speeding cars going by at that intersection?

NO!

Did any of the adults I pay to care for my child try to go to him, wrap their arms about him, or otherwise try to soothe him? Even though, strangers on the street were trying to do just that?

NO!

My son has not been to school these past two days. The aftercare coordinator has been blowing up my phone. No word from the principal. I contacted the Board of Education and filed a complaint and a request to have us tranferred. Barring that, I wanted information on what I needed to do to inform the state that my son was being placed in a private school setting. If any of you have any advice about this, feel free to offer it up. I need all I can get.

I have spent the last couple days trying to rebuild the damage that incident created in my child. We've been cuddling, rubbing, hugging, and feeding. In our theraplay session last night, our therapist asked my son to identify any hurt places or booboo's on his body and she was going to put lotion on them and make them all go away. After the first few little spots on his legs, I took over. My baby identified hurt spots all over his body, places that I needed to rub and love away. Nearly broke my heart.

He's been at his daycare for the past two days and I plan to keep him there until I can make alterate arrangements. They have also been loving on him and he seems to finally be at peace again.

When asked if he wanted to return to his school, his response to me was a blank stare and a fearful "No."

That's all the answer I needed.

Brief Update

I finally heard from the magazine contest and my story was not accepted for publication. Oddly, I have kinda mixed feelings. On the one hand, it sure would've been nice to win that $1000 check; I ain't gon lie! But on the other hand, after re-reading this piece about 2 weeks ago, and with the benefit of more practice and self-awareness, I know I could have done better.

The only thing that disappoints me is that I had hoped for written feedback from the professionals who reviewed the entries. No go.

I'm planning to keep the letter in a binder, 'my first rejection letter'!! I'm looking for the next contest, even as I finish up rewrites and edits on my novel.

Thanks y'all for your support.