Almost time for recess! thinks Chase, feeling a rush of energy.
Maybe we’ll play kickball near the old oak tree.
Wanting to run and jump, he can only squirm in his seat.
Waiting impatiently, Chase sighs, and swings his feet.

His eyes move toward the clock and then toward the door.
“Time to line up for recess” announces Ms. Alvarez,
but Chase can’t take it anymore.

Launching from his seat, Chase barrels toward the line
without seeing Lilly Parker moving at the same time!
Lilly’s sweater flew from her hands, as she tumbled toward the floor.
“I’m sorry” he said, his cheeks growing warm….. he’s felt like THIS before.

Like the time in the cafeteria, Chase was in such a rush
his milk had toppled over, turning his food turning it into mush.
He had felt so embarrassed while cleaning up his tray
Wondering if kids were snickering and looking his way.

Lilly stared at the floor as if she might cry,
then with a puzzled expression, simply asked him, “Why?”

Chase stared blankly. He honestly didn’t know.
“Why do I rush? Why can’t I move slow?
I know moving too fast is unsafe, and yet…
I get so wound up, I always seem to forget”.
With a look of both frustration and concern,
Ms. Alvarez wondered, Chase, when will you learn
“You need to slow down and remember our rule:
We walk, we don’t run. We move safely in school!”

That night, as Chase was lying in his bed
he remembered the words his counselor had said,
When you find yourself with a burst of energy
take a look around ….and then count to three.
Calm your body. Breathe in deep.
Take the kind of breaths you take before sleep.
Quiet your mind. Enjoy the peace.
Inhale slowly and then exhale…. release.
Squeeze your squishy ball or the seat of your chair
Take the time to notice who is around you, and where.
Then think…Do I have enough space to move or run?
If not, someone might get hurt and THAT won’t be fun.
With practice Chase, you will reach your goal
You CAN calm yourself down. You ARE in control.

On the next day, as playtime drew near,
Chase looked at Lilly and it all became clear.
I’m excited to play…. but I want to do it safely.
I will take some deep breaths to relax my body.
He enjoyed the cool of the air as he breathed it in
And felt a release as he let it out again.
The breaths seem to be helping as the minutes flew by
Soon, the breathing felt effortless. He no longer had to try!

As the class was called to recess, Chase slowly became aware
he had no sudden urge to leap from his chair.
He was not waiting impatiently or shuffling his feet
or imagining kickball on the concrete.
He didn’t even wiggle in his seat this time.
Chase was in control of his body and mind.

Before there was you, I was not me
I was simply the shell
around what I could be

there were no moments complete
in utter bliss
no arms to long for
no embrace to miss

There were no memories sweet
no silent despair
no experience to live
and wish you were there

I was only a part
of what you've helped me become
a bird without wings
my song unsung

Now complete
no sorrow to speak of
it is you i want to thank
yes you, my love.

March 20th, it's been a year

I'm remembering things

that i hold dear



your thirst for knowledge

your passion for words

the melody in your heart

and the song unheard.



a story for every single day of the year

a quote for each moment

candid, yet genuine

and always sincere



there was strength in your presence

in every venture you'd seek

the will of an ox

as if silence could speak



And the music you loved

puccini...pavoratti

we watched them comfort your being

as the smile left your body



you were one of a kind

your own work of art

now your passion unfettered

lives forever in my heart.

July Thirty-first

It's been a year

Since we talked. Since you were here.

And although my life is forever changed

Through so many things, your life remains:



in a word, a smile, a scent, a sound

for that split second i look around

and tell myself you are in a better place

there is no pain upon your face.



There are no more moments to wish for peace

no more waiting for time to cease



Through the eyes of every being of light

in the innocent laugh of a child's delight

in the soft clatter of summer rain

in the crunch of gravel on dry terrain

in the glistening sun on birds in flight

and the sound of leaves rustling through the night

you speak to me.



In my dreams, these moments make hours

your smile embraces my soul

I am grateful to sense your being

you are content, at peace, and whole



As I slowly awaken, I begin to see

unlike the leaf fallen from its tree

the winds of time will not take you from me



And while your physical form is forever gone

It is through these things, mom, your life lives on.