week 44, post 2: the little dog and the seagull

The old man and his little dog went walking along the beach one afternoon, as was their occasional custom. As they walked, together they eyed a solitary seagull at the water's edge. "Let me catch it!" said the dog. So the old man bent down and released the little dog from her leash.

Instantly, the little dog sprang forward toward the seagull. The seagull quickly flew out over the water. When the water reached chest high (not very far), the little dog stopped. Seeing this, the seagull quickly banked hard into a 180 turn and flew back, just over the dog, then a little higher over the old man.

The chase was on! Down the beach the seagull and little dog went, right at the water's edge, the little dog running as fast as she could go, while the seagull stayed just out of reach. They went a long way down the beach before the seagull turned inland with the dog in hot pursuit. They circled around a trash pile, then headed for the old man, like an air race. When they reached the old man, they turned inland again and kept going. About the time they reached the sand dune, the little dog, all out of breath, stopped.

The seagull stopped too, landing softly on the sand. Inspired by this, the little dog sprang forward. The gull took off again, just out of reach. This time, the little dog stopped much sooner. The seagull stopped too.

The little dog did not give chase. Instead, it walked slowly toward the seagull, which did not move. They stood not far apart, just looking at each other, for some time.

Finally, the little dog took one more step and the seagull flew again. The little dog did not give chase, but turned and ran full speed toward the old man. The old man crouched down and welcomed the little dog with words, hugs and pats. Clipping the little dog's leash to the collar, the old man said, "He was pretty fast, eh?" But the little dog did not answer. She was just happy to be with the old man.

week 44, post 1: we belong together

I've said many times we're growing theory as we go -- as is the case everywhere and always. (those who lay claim to absolute and fixed knowledge are both wrong and dangerous -- the most dangerous kind of arrogance -- remember, the serpent promised Eve and Adam KNOWLEDGE, not presence or uncertainty -- he still does) I was home week before last on vacation. Just before I left, the school counselor called me with a fairly urgent need. We've been building cooperation on a youngster and family. I was leaving at the wrong time (when else???). Miss Elaine filled in for me, and some continuity of care was made possible. She met with the counselor and with the child. Assessments were shared, and some tentative plans for enriching treatment were put together.

The counselor, the teacher, Elaine and I all need each other -- for the sake of the child. Not always, but more often than we usually recognize, counseling, casework, education and healthcare need to be integrated. It worked -- at least this time. I know in the future we'll get it wrong some, but I'll take this little victory and savor it. There's hope.

It's a little chilly here today. And I'm told that the gators have gone back to their dens until April. I'll not likely see them again for some time. Who knows how long? I'll miss them. I miss them already. But each seasonal change has its joys and consolations: no mosquitos for several days. And the speckled trout are back....

Peace, Warren

week 40, post 1: pictures

Here is a picture which I was not able to publish last week.
Peace, Warren.