Haiti Written by Tom    Thursday, 25 March 2010 23:14 It is overwhelming to watch. I am struck by so many images - people in agony, physically and mentally, relief workers working tirelessly and nobly to bring relief to so many in need, the dignity of the Haitian people in the worst of times, the frustration of not getting to people in time, the caring and love of everyday people trying to help. I have no idea what it is truly like nor will I ever know. Yet, as I watch, I am touched by the good side of human nature, by the willingness to live in a hell on earth, to somehow push forward when there seems to be no hope. Yet, I am afraid that I will forget,that I will put those images away and go about my life carelessly and selfishly. I just hope that the world and I will stay with this and be part of a better future for Haiti.

Concerts Written by Tom    Thursday, 25 March 2010 23:12 The holiday concerts seem long ago, but I was absolutely filled with joy when I saw our dear and talented students singing with all their strength. Those concerts were celebrations of the way we all want life to be - pure, simple, happy, innocent, loving. Both preschool and lower school students were proud of who they were and what they were doing, and they were so glad they could share those moments with their moms and dads, aunts and uncles, sisters and brothers, grandmas and grandpas. As I watched, I thought of my own children, now mostly grown, as they sang and made faces and scratched their ears at their holiday concerts - and marveled at how fast it all happens - "in the blink of an eye"! I thank you for your children and I thank them for bringing me such gifts. They are why, as grow older, I never want to leave! Your children give me happiness, love and most importantly, hope. Last Updated on Thursday, 25 March 2010 23:13   Manners Written by Tom    Thursday, 25 March 2010 23:07 I need help with something - sounds a bit strange, but what is the proper decorum at a salad bar? If I am behind a person in line she fills her plate, and I don't want what she is picking from the bar, do I have the right to move ahead of her? I was taught to wait my turn no matter how long it took, but I see people moving ahead all the time - and what about those people who go the wrong way? That move creates total chaos at the salad bar!! Of course, I am old and come from a father and mother who taught me to hold the door for someone, to stand up when an older person entered the room, to hold the door open for a woman or an elderly person (very outdated now and sexist?) I don't think we emphasize manner much anymore, and I think that has created a lack of respect for one another. What is the role of a parent in this in teaching our children- and what is the role of a school? Do people find manners important anymore? And why are our manners lacking today?   Phillies Written by Tom    Thursday, 25 March 2010 23:04 I am exhausted!! Having spent many late nights over the past three weeks watching our Phillies, I am almost glad the series is coming to a close. My wife, Sandi, has been consoling me but she is worried about me - why are you so obsessed, why are you so emotional, why can't you simply nod off when the game is over? Great questions, I tell her, but I am not sure why I treat these Phillies like my own children. I do not know Jimmy Rollins or any other player personally, and I have never even met any person in the Phillies organization, but I take things personally. I want to experience that moment of pure ecstacy again and to revel in the glory of another championship. If they lose the series, I will move on, but it has taken a toll. I think I need some balance in my life, but following Philly sports has been so much a part of my childhood, my adulthood, me. It keeps me going, even though it keeps me up late!! What do you think?   limits Written by Tom    Thursday, 25 March 2010 23:02 Having watched the story of balloon boy these past few days(aren't there other things more important in ther world?), it made me think about how we all parent today. Every family is different, every child is different, every situation is different, every story is different, but what are the parameters, the rules, the guidelines we give our children? When do we hold the line? When do we negotiate? When do we compromise? Certainly, in my childhood, my father set clear limits, to the extent that there was little or no conversation and a great deal of fear. Yet, there was clarity in my life, and I knew when I had crossed the line. Parenting is not easy and there is no set way to do it, but I would like to start a conversation about how we help our children understand what is expected of them. And another question - what is the role of the school in all of this? How much of a role should it play in setting the limits for children? Your thoughts?