Every morning we dash out the door around 6:55 to catch the bus. Sometimes in a big rush and sometimes taking our time. Every morning our neighborhood cat "Rocky" follows me home to have some breakfast at our house. Now, don't think he doesn't get fed. I know of 5 neighbors who feed this cat. However, we all unselfishly share him with one another. He doesn't have a permanent home because he left that home years ago. He just hangs out around the "hood' and loves it that way. Everybody wants him, but he claims no one. He wanders from place to place giving just enough to each neighbor to want a little more. My next door neighbor grooms him. The neighbor down the street took him to get his yearly shots and a neighbor two houses down leaves her garage door open in the evening on cold nights so he could sleep in the home made bed she fixed up just for him. But.......every morning he follows us to the bus stop, sees the kids board the bus (as do I) then follows me home. The other morning I didn't quite see him come in. So I thought he went down the street and decided to skip breakfast.
This is what I found when I walked into my bedroom..........Harley (on top)snuggling next to him. Yes,........... on "my" side of the bed
                              

                                                   We love you Rocky!!

Got a call from the school counselor on my cell. Thought, OMG what has happened, since I've never received a call from a counselor at school, I thought to myself, Michael sucker punched someone.

Well, much to my surprise the following conversation took place.......

Counselor: Mrs. Wade, I am calling to inform you that your son Michael has been nominated by his teacher to be Knighted.

Me: Knighted? What exactly is that?

Counselor: (In a detailed explanation) He has been chosen to receive a medal and be Knighted for his "good character" and kindness (and a list of long characteristics that resembles an honorable knight back in the day). The teacher nominates one person.........and Michael was chosen from his class.

Me:  

Counselor: We are holding a coronation ceremony on Thursday to honor these kids that have been chosen. A knight will show up in full armor and honor your child with a medal. However, it is a surprise and they don't know about it. So you have to show up early. You will be directed as to where to "hide"  until his name is called. He doesn't know about it and you being there will make it extra special.

Me:    okaaaaaay!

Counselor: So, Congratulations, your son has exemplified the true meaning of an "Honorable Knight" and shhhhhhhh, it's a surprise.
Me:   Thhhhhhank you. We will be there.

 I later received a call from the other counselor,  Monica was chosen to be "Damed",............now that one,.......I get!
Will follow with photos from the ceremony. If you see the kids..........shhhhhhhh!!

                                                         Sir Michael Wade

                                                            Dame Monica Wade

Michael: Martin Luther King had a dream mom.

Mom: What was that

Michael: He dreamed that all people black and white would be together as friends.

Mom: and are they?

Michael: yeh, all colors, we're all friends.

Mom: So I guess his dream came true

Michael: Yes, 'cause God wants all of us to be friends

So what started this conversation? The day off from school. We thought that we could have some real history behind the guilt of lounging around on a rainy day. Oprah had an intriguing show. But other than that, I didn't see anything. We all talked about how things were back then. I was barely born in the late sixties, however I can remember hearing about it. To think that this happened in our country is mind boggling to the kids. They just can't believe how they separated people in bathrooms, in restaraunts, on buses. Why? Monica asks me. How can people be so mean. What is so different about people who are darker. I asked her if she thought I was different since I'm a few shades darker than her.

Monica: but you're not dark

Mom: but did you know that some of your own family who are darker skinned were not treated fairly during this time in history

Monica: what? just because of skin color

Mom: there was discrimmination against mexicans too.

Monica: even dad?

Mom: Dad? Why dad?

Monica: well, he's pink skinned.......

Mom:

                                 Happy New Year 2008!!!

p.s. Thank You Durham's for the Disney Shirts.....they look Great!! I love being Minnie and my hubby,............well, He likes the "Mark and Mickey" combo