Storm

Last night I woke around midnight to the sound of thunder.

When I was living in my cave I was seldom aware of the weather. The windows were small, and the earth around my walls and the house above muffled sound. I never knew what the weather was like in the morning until I stepped outside.

Last night I was exposed to the storm in all its glory. I opened my blinds and lay in my bed and watched the lightning and listened to the thunder and rain for a long time.

The storm was still going when I took my glasses off and settled down under my covers again -- but I fell asleep quickly.

Transgender Student at My Daughter's School

I just read an amazing, powerful letter from the principal of my daughter's new school, telling parents about a returning student who "identifies and expresses her gender as female, even though she was born into a male body. V__ is a transgender individual, and we are happy that she is part of [our school]'s community where we have an unequivocable commitment to making sure that ALL children are cared for and learn at our school."

I was blown away. The entire letter is positive in tone, stressing the absolute commitment to the welfare of the transgendered child and characterizing this as an opportunity for everyone in the community to grow in understanding and celebrating differences.

The principal also indicated an understanding that some of the parents may have their own feelings about this situation. "I am writing so that I can support your processing as an adult in hope that you will support your child in understanding and supporting this student." The student's parents are also volunteering to speak with other parents to help promote understanding.

It ends with a tactful but firm reminder of the school and district policies prohibiting disrespectful behavior toward her.

I am so impressed by this, so glad that my daughter will be spending time in this community, and so grateful that the child in question has this kind of support from her school.

And I'm going to email the principal and tell him so.

Wow. . .