And another summer season is about to end. Kids are back in school, backpacks have replaced beach bags and the flip flops are about worn through. As Labor Day approaches I can’t help but say “where did it go”? Seems like it was just Memorial Day and we were planting peppers and tomatoes! As a motivational speaker, I challenge my audiences to take a look at where they are and how they are doing. I ask them to do a bit of self-examination now and again. We all get so busy in our every day lives that we often times miss entire seasons. So, as the heat of summer gives way to the cool fall breezes…take time to notice and enjoy!

What shall become of the children of the poor,

Or the children whose parent or parents have left them behind, or

The children who do not know their paternity or their kind?

Who will advocate for the children who leave the table hungry,

Or don’t come to the table at all?

Whose efforts will result in clothing for the children,

Medical care when they are ill,

Or school in the Fall?

The “no child left behind” notion failed in school;

“No child left behind” in CSE is the rule.

It is because of you that children will have food.

It is because of you that they will be schooled.

It is because of you that sickness will heal.

It is because of you that children will feel:

A sense of hope

A sense of trust

A sense of making their way in their world a must.

So, when you are tired or frustrated or wanting to quit,

Remember, that it is your efforts that make the fit

Between those children left behind and the

Recipients in-kind…

Of food, or shelter or medical care,

Of at least enough to try to prepare

For the world and their way in it.

It is YOU, CSE. It is YOU!

Written especially for the North Carolina Child Support Services Conference 8/2008

It appears that a northerner will not acclimate very well to summer in the south! My life spent in Maine got me ready for what we called the “Dog Days of August”.  The temps would climb into the low 90’s and the humidity would keep sweat on my brow constantly, but this was August and two or three of these types of days linked together were expected.  The hot sticky nights with little breeze did not last long. Suppers of cold salads and cold meats  would be a short lived experience,three a day showers would be temporary and hot chili soon would be on the menu.. Not so in the south!  The blistering temperatures, lack of rain and a cloak of humidity  in June, July and August has done a good job of making my old “Dog Days of August” look pretty comfortable! I am still hanging in the south though, because I can  sit out on my deck with candles lit and not be carried off by dracula-like mosquitoes… however, if that only too familiar experience comes knocking at my arm, leg, or ankle  I think I will have to return to spend summers in the north. I may need a blood transfusion, but the three months of dog days will be over in three days. I may have failed to mention that the three dog days of summer are followed by an equally short Fall before the first Nor’ Easter can leave three feet of snow on the ground.  Long live the very long and beautiful Autumns and Springs of the South.