Mostly True Tales

I just got a call from my youngest daughter, Sarah. She has been invited to attend the Vice Presidential debate at Washington University this Thursday night. I am excited beyond belief. What more could parents want than an opportunity unexperienced by themselves. I find myself actually jealous. I wish I could go as well.

American Patriot, Sarah Kessel.

“Dad, I’m going to wear my hair in a bun, just like her.”

You go girl, you go.

The other day Sarah came to me and said,

“Hey Dad, we won our game and I’m the only one that scored.”

“Wow, congratulations Honey, what was the score?”

“Five to Zero”

What more can I say?

After 15 years of Halloween as a parent, it’s over. No Halloween for the Amazing Brian this year. That’s the trouble with having kids, they grow up.

Bonnie and her friends have decided they are too old and did NOTHING! Sarah, went to a friends, to trick or treat in a different neighborhood.

Marcia asked me weeks ago if I would mind if Sarah wasn’t with us this year. I never answered her. It really didn’t matter if I minded.

So, it was kind of a sad day around casa de Amazing yesterday. What was once Marcia’s favorite holiday, with our house elaborately decorated, guests coming and going all night, with lots and lots of kids, has been reduced to nothing, nadda, zip.

Do I mind? Hell yeah I mind! But, it doesn’t make any difference.

The school pictures came home Friday, I’m just seeing them today. I am as usual, pleased, but of course I’m prejudice. The scans stink. I hope to replace them soon.

This is Bonnie, 10th grade, age 15, almost 16. I’m more proud of her than words can express. Now more than ever, I compare my life at her age, to her life now. I am amazed.

This is Sarah, 5th grade age 10, almost 11. Still a child, full of hope, innocence, laughter, and compassion. She is a beautiful person.

Yesterday was the first day of school for both Bonnie and Sarah. One of the classes Bonnie had yesterday was Advanced Composition.

Her first assignment and the only homework for the day was to write a poem about herself. It is due tomorrow. Tonight, she brought me a copy and asked me what I thought.

I think it’s beautiful, honest, sad, and funny, everything a poem should be.

Once again, as I read her prose, I know I have succeeded, in changing the world forever.

She’ll be embarrassed I published it, but I can’t help it. I’m proud.

A poem about yourself is a very hard thing to do.

“Unto thy own self, be true.”

Of course, I’m prejudice, but I’d have to give it an A.

Me
By Bonnie Kessel

I am:
A student at Ladue high school,
A soccer player,
Caring, honest, understanding, and hardworking.

I have:
Never been out of the country,
Heard the lullaby “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean” a thousand times,
Parasailed over the clear waters of Lake Tahoe,
The best friends anyone could ever ask for.

I believe:
Happiness isn’t about money or fame,
Puppies are the cutest animals on earth,
You only get one life, so make the most of it,
In myself.

I wish:
The world was a better place,
My nails would stay painted,
My little sister knew how to knock.

My Favorite:
Holiday is Christmas,
Food is pizza,
Books are the “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” series.

I love:
Muddy paw prints on the sidewalk,
Snowflakes on Christmas,
Blowing out birthday candles,
Tiny baby shoes,
My family.