Why Acorns?

I bought these pewter acorns at Yosemite National Park in California. That was when I turned 40. Home-life was overwhelming -- siblings fighting (a lot!), 2 hour struggles over homework, tantrums, name-calling and the screen time issue.

I didn't know how to deal with it all. I was on a girlfriend trip to celebrate, but also to rejuvenate.  

As soon as I saw these acorns in the gift shop, I scooped some up, thinking of how precious and full of potential acorns are -- just like children.

I carried three around in my pocketbook after that, to remind me to nurture my children as best I could. A year later I reached out and took a parenting course. 

My children were 13, 11 and 8, and it wasn't too late! Please have a look at what my middle guy wrote to me on my birthday a couple of years ago:

So acorns hold a special place in my heart. As my children's bodies grow, I am grateful for P.E.T. skills that have helped me take care of their inner beings as well.

I believe each of us too -- in addition to our beloved children -- has promise within. Paying inward attention will help us to become the parents we hope to be.