OPINION Port Orchard
Page A6
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This week’s question: Should assault weapons be banned? Vote online at www.portorchardindependent.com
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Friday, December 21, 2012 • Port Orchard Independent
Finding the words
As parents we plan and work and think about the hard, occasionally uncomfortable conversations we need to have with our children. We agonize over the age appropriate timing of the conversation, the depth and complexity of subject matter and finding that balance of for and against arguments to use that make the most sense to a youthful, simpler mind that is still forming in its opinion and ability. In the past month we have had some of those uncomfortable conversations in our home. If it’s an important issue Everything that is exposed through the media we Bremerton take the time to talk about it with our son. Recently it has been about same sex marriage and the social dynamics associated with it. Also discussed has been drug use, specifically marijuana, and the consequences of personal choices when it comes to certain substances legal or not. Just this week we added pedestrian and school zone crosswalk safety to our list of topics. Colleen Smidt Prior to this week, the level of what I considered to be a “hard” conversation did not even come close to what I felt when talking with my child about the horrible and devastating mass murder of a classroom of children in Connecticut. Hard has a whole new meaning now when I apply it to these conversations. Hard is knowing in advance that simply by talking about what has happened with your child you will destroy or remove a certain amount of their innocence. You fully understand it is the right and responsible thing to do as a parent and that your child will be better off down the road hearing it from you first which allows them an important opportunity to ask you questions and/or voice their fears. It is hard to explain to children that bad things can happen to good people through no fault of their own. That often there are not going to be answers that bring any comfort from the investigation and coverage that follows these tragedies but instead only bring more questions. It is hard to make our children feel safe again once that safety has been compromised on such a massive level. Our thoughts, tears, prayers and broken hearts are with the families and students of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. Our thoughts are with the teachers, the community and the first responders dealing with the horrors that played out before them. How can we find any words to say, when words simply don’t seem to be enough right now. Hug your children this week and talk with them.
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Production STAFF ARTIST Kelsey Thomas
A retirement poem as dreamed by Mikey Schiro T’was the night before retirement when all through the house I was sleeping quite soundly alongside my spouse, With Kelby and Chloe tucked in at our feet Our snarfling and snoring could be heard down the street. My marbles had tumbled, from one jar to next As I dreamed of long naps and lounging on decks. My thoughts turned to friends and work left behind Good folks who were friendly, smart and quite kind. First came Wayne, my friend I call coach Who defected Brand X, and by CK was then poached. In marched Jan French decked in Seahawks regalia, With Radar close behind dragging techie para-phana-lia. Chris Chancellor came by, shouting sports facts galore And Kelsey, my savior, sashayed through the door. Dennis dropped in to hold down the fort While Lori swooped through offering moral support. My accounts went to Jefferson, who arrived just in time To take them all and manage them, I know he’ll do fine. Thank God Lorraine arrived to bolster the crew To which all those present yelled a grateful WOO HOO! Noreen and her crew toiled all through the night Delivering our weekly by glowing moon light. Poor Sean with four papers, what a challenging task, Used magic and great skill and sometimes his flask. Last came Rich Peterson the newly departed A good guy with smarts who is very kind hearted He sang praises of the Port in a very fine voice A salute he gave to Axel who’d made a great choice. My dream drifts to Port Orchard and Cedar Cove on the hill
Where Kathy and Gil run their inn with great skill. A jingle of bells and fast running feet Signal Sheila’s arrival at the end of the street. I spied Janet and Shannon outside Kitsap Bank, Where Coreen,as a pirate was walking the plank. Helene, Sharron, Jud and Jessie were building a float As Cap’n Rob and firstmate Trish drifted by in their boat, At Sidney and Prospect , a very artsy place I came upon Pam Heinrich, big smile on her face. On the corner of Bay Street, and much to my surprise Bobbie from Old Central appeared before my eyes. The Vlist guys and Shirley cruised by with great care Passing Rick, Karen and Glennys and their big root beer bear! As I rounded the corner I spied Mallory and Squirt And Rick from McLendon’s with a shovelful of dirt. Some folks like at Arnold’s I’ve had from day one And others like Cookie’s add much to the fun. The Chimes folks hung in there and were ever so merry Their functions quite jolly, thanks to Cindy and Jerry. As my days at the Independent draw to a close, I muse about lazy days and retirement condos. To stay at the Stafford would be a great treat, However, with my luck, I’ll be out on the street. I’ll remember my friends both the old and the new But now’s not the time to bid you adieu. There’ll be coffee each morning and long lazy lunches Not to mentioned brisk walks and ab-dom-i-nal crunches. I’ll visit Ken Paskett, Medicare card in hand….. With Jim and Mercedes I’ve got BIG things planned. My barber named Rick and his fine lovely wife Have become just like family and are good friends for life. As I look back on my years with all of you guys I’ve worked to come up with clever replies, Finer folks I’ll not find if I search the world wide I’ve been lucky for sure. Thanks a lot for the ride!
KITSAP WEEK Richard Walker rwalker@northkitsapherald.com
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