"Like the study of science and art, accounts of historical events can be intrinsically fascinating. But they have a wider significance. I believe that people are better able to chart their life course and make life decisions when they know how others have dealt with pressures and dilemmas---historically, contemporaneously, and in works of art. And only equipped with such understanding can we participate knowledgeably in contemporary discussions (and decisions) about the culpability of various individuals and countries in the Second World War. Only with such understanding can we ponder the responsibilty of human beings everywhere to counter current efforts at genocide in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia to bring the perpetrators to justice."
"...we humans are the kinds of animals who learn chiefly by observing others---what they value, what they spurn, how they conduct themselves from day to day, and especially, what they do when they believe that no one is looking."
----Howard Gardner, from The Disciplined Mind, published in 1999

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Upon a Happy Occasion; or, for Big Guy

Dear Big Guy, we are most proud of you for working so diligently this summer in your job as dishwasher, kitchen assistant, and jack-of-all-trades.
You've sweated and you've saved; and now you'll be going on the Big Trip on Your Own Ticket.
Hooray for you!
Big things ahead, my darling, big and wonderful.
Here's number 2 on your iPod playlist, with a twist, for my once-little-fellow who's headed for the Big Things: an old favorite with a new influence.
Just like you!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

hey thats cool

congrats on doing it all himself;)

neroli said...

Wolfbaby, it is very cool!
Thanks :-)!

Anonymous said...

Oh Wow ! Since it's late, I guess that's my lullaby for tonight.
To repeat, "It is very cool."

neroli said...

Thanks, Swampy! I'm trying to get this parenting-of-teenager thing down, at least a little bit.
I've got some great role models in you (you've made it through and very well at that!!) and Min.
Big Time and Power Rangers for a lullaby---I'm sorry!---that would give me some crazy dreams for certain...