“The aim of each thing we do is to make the lives of our children richer and more possible.” — Audre Lorde

Those of us who care for children, want to find the deepest clues, the deepest inspiration, and the most important direction for our families, our civilization, and the care of our children. These are our highest human goals.

”The Soul of the Child” by best- selling author Michael Gurian present his groundbreaking views of parenting.  Sensible and informed, it shows how to protect childhood from the complications of our times. It puts forth an argument for attention to the spiritual side of childhood.  We all know that the soul of the child flowers among the many people who love the child. Also we want to provide a safe world for the child.

As I was picking the most beautiful, red, juicy strawberries I looked up.  What did I see?  Rows and rows of the fruit just waiting to be picked. The youngsters with their families caught my attention. Just think, out in the open fields under clear blue skies, safe from war and danger. One child’s shorts were all stained with juice where she must have sat on the berries.  (I also had stains on my slacks from kneeling on the berries.)  Another little tyke was trailing behind his mom emptying his container as fast as he could. You could almost taste for him! Children were all around having a happy experience.

I thought back to the long-ago summer of youth remembering some of life’s happiest memories.  I always wanted to play school with books, pencils and papers. None of my playmates thought that was a good idea!

Summers in Maine offers opportunities for family togetherness. Now that the children have all grown I miss all the wonderful activities. Magical and mystical were those days: going to the beach or a walk in the woods with a picnic, a field trip to the museum or zoo, a visit to a farm to pick fresh fruit and vegetables, summer sports and much, much more. A trip to the farmer’s market overflowing with nature’s bounty, we preserve edible memories.  We repeat the same traditions with grandchildren and great grandchildren.

One thing that has not changed and that is the strong link of love that bonds the generations. Never before has the role of grandparents been needed more. Grandparents are an anchor of unconditional love and acceptance. They are a sense of stability in this rapidly changing world. What matters is the grandparent’s longing to be a part of the grandchild’s life and then doing it.  One way to keep the connection alive is passing on family traditions.  Youngsters will remember home as a place where some of their happiest and best hours were spent.

I wonder as all the new babies are being born. What can we expect of the human family? What is the soul of the child asking of the human family? What can each of us do to protect the soul of the child?

We need to find time to accomplish what is really important for ourselves and our family. We want to preserve precious moments of daily life to recall and savor in the months and years to come.