*Pandora - yes please!*

I so love to read, but when school starts up again - reading is a luxury for sure. I have it in my schedule & I try to read a few pages, but it can be tough to concentrate with grades to be entered, lesson ideas to be implemented & lately - a new schedule to spin around in my mind. These things come to to surface, not because I feel obligated, but I really do enjoy the creativity I get to use in my job. The thing is, I am MORE creative when I read. So - the internal battle continues. (Add in exhaustion & there you have it. Erin vs Time - the war of the century).

During the school year, I find that music will often prevail as the spark for inspiration & daily reality checks. I wish I could just spend a day listening to songs & following along with the lyrics. The real lyrics - not the ones that I sing along. [Did you ever sing along to every song using "squirrel" for "girl". Pure genius! So fun.] Pandora has the lyrics to most songs show when they play. This isn't great for the commute, but a cool aspect, nonetheless.

These lyrics, I know quite well. Thank you, John Meyer, for your spot-on songwriting. Not too shabby to gaze upon either. (Sorry, Dad - although...you may agree? ha!)

So - let's take a journey with Mr. Meyer - (push play if you haven't already! So amazing.)

Today, September 11th, is a sentimental day that prompts much reflection. I spent a little time following a moment of silence to share my memories of September 11, 2001. Some of my students were only 4 in 2001! September 11, 2007 won the reflection war today though. It probably always will.

This was the day that Avery had her final Lumbar Puncture & Bone Marrow Aspirate. This was the day that I laid in her crib with her while 2 doctors that I respect very much told us that 96% of that BMA was cancer cells. We didn't need to tell them immediately, but we were sure. That was it. We were done. No more poison, no more sticks, no more pain, no more close calls, no more...just - live it up while we could with our happy, beautiful Avery.

We weren't alone that day. Another family was hearing eerily similar news. Earlier in the day our girls had fatefully locked eyes while they were both in the sedation unit prepping for their tests. I'd seen them do it once before & I will never forget it. It is like a scene in a movie where two people have a conversation without saying a word. It was an amazing conversation, I know it! Though it brings tears to my eyes, it is a comfort. Like best friends who have each others' backs. Like sisters sharing secrets. Hope. Love. Heart. Life.

Those two girls shared that moment with their mommas & for that I am grateful. For that I am comforted. I love you Michelle! I miss you, Tara & I miss you, Avery. I KNOW the heart of life is good. No matter how short, tragic or in my case, broken. (Sing that chorus John Mayer!)

I hate to see you cry
Lying there in that position
There's things you need to hear
So turn off your tears and listen

Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
No, it won't all go the way it should
But I know the heart of life is good

You know it's nothing new
Bad news never had good timing
Then the circle of your friends
Will defend the silver lining

Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
No, it won't all go the way it should
But I know the heart of life is good

(Whistle Interlude)

Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
Fear is a friend who's misunderstood
But I know the heart of life is good

I know it's good