One day a man was walking along the seashoreHe noticed that during the night many seashellsand starfish had washed apon the beach.Thoroughly enjoying the morning sun and cool sea air, the man walked for miles. As he strolled along, he noticed a small figuredancing in the distance. It made him chuckle to think of someone celabrating life in such an uninhibited way. As he drew closer however, it became apprent that the figure was not dancing.Instead, she seemed to be repeatedly performing some ritual.He drew nearer still and noticed that the small figure was a child. She was methodically picking up starfish and tossing them into the surf.He paused for a moment, puzzled, and then asked,"Why are you throwing these starfish?""it is high tide," she replied "If I leave them on the beach, the sun will soon dry them and they willdie. I am throwing them into the ocean so they can live." The man considered her actions, impressedwith the childs thoughtfulness. Then he motionedup and down the miles of beach. "There must be thousands of starfish along here," he said, "Youcannot possibly make a difference."The young girl stopped. Her face darkened. She chewed thoughtfully on her lower lip, "you'reprobably right," She said softly. She looked down at the sand. Then she leaned over, carefully picked up another starfish, pulled back and arched itgently into the sea.With a tone of gentle defiance, she said,"But I made a difference for that one."Do.You.Remember.When. Getting high meant swinging on the playground.... The worst thing boys could do to you was give you cooties.... Your mom was your hero&& you were marring Daddy..... Wearing skirts didnt make you a slut.... &&war was only a card game. Only skinned knees hurt && only toys were broken. We only smoked bike tires....&& Life was so carefree.... Its crazy looking back on this and just thinking.... That I actully wanted to grow up....

great post! makes you think!!

amen

Excellent .. but the great thing is we CAN still make a difference, starfish by starfish. And as an adult we have the tools to do it

I really wanted to say that I shared this with my 14 yearold daughter, As a life lesson and the little girl in the first poem reminded me much of her. Well she took the poem with much dismay, She said "mom this is a stupid poem and I don't like poems I didn't write" I was sad, yet again I didn't break through the barrier she has built with her teenage emotions. Well I named this forum Triumph because I had just read her "About me" on Myspace. and Guess what she posted. Thats right!!! Something I shared with her. Joy Joy one for the home team!!!!

One thing I learned was the power of a parents words if nothing else in working as counselor, mentor, foster parent. Even if they act or say they don't care they are hearing what you say with their heart so choose wisely and generously and kindly. The cruel ones leave scars and the praise gives them wings.

Thank You PacificStar48, You words mean a lot

Thank You PacificStar48, You words mean a lot