Strength Of The Small

Parenting Children Education Family People High Desert

My Daughter’s First Day of School

By JM PerezAugust 10, 20151 min read491 views

Summer holidays are over and it’s back to school for my kids. My son is heading off to third grade and my daughter to Kindergarten. They are both excited and I am relieved knowing that my daughter feels less anxious having her brother by her side. It is the beginning of a new adventure for my daughter.

Minnie Mouse Backpack. — *Minnie Mouse Backpack*.

And for raining days …

*Minnie Mouse Pink Polka Dots Bow Umbrella.*

I helped my daughter find her seat, exchanged a few words with her teacher and reassured my child I would return in a couple of hours to pick her up. To ease the separation anxiety between the kids and their parents, the teacher had activities ready for the kids and other fun stuff.

I put the following in her backpack:

Hand Sanitizer
Kleenex Pocket Pack Tissues
Cold and Cough Drops
A Bottle of Water
“We Love You” Message

Notepad and Pencil
Healthy and Nutritious Snacks
Our Address & Phone Number
Sunglasses (100% UV)

She had a good day.
Just like her brother, I know she will do well.

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By JM Perez

Nature High Desert

Smoke From The Mountain

By JM PerezJuly 17, 20151 min read458 views

Most Fridays we drive down the Hill to get away from the High Desert heat. This morning however, we decided to stay put and visit a few nurseries. As we drove to Lowe’s early in the afternoon, we saw thick dark smoke rising over the mountain. We heard over the radio that a fast-moving wildfire was spreading through the Cajon Pass destroying vehicles and homes. At that moment I realized how lucky we were because had we not decided to stay in town, we most likely would have been trapped in a standstill traffic in the Cajon Pass.

Due to the strong winds, our beautiful sky turned gloomy within the hour. The sight was heartbreaking. We could see helicopters and air tankers dropping water on flames as well as fire retardant on nearby grass.

Summer is the peak season for wildfires and most of these fires are caused by careless individuals.

Unattended campfires
Burnt debris
Sparks (glass bottle, gunfire, fireworks, dragging chains, welding, weed cutter, etc)
Negligent cigarettes discard
Reckless acts of arson

Click here to learn about wildfire prevention.

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By JM Perez

Childhood Friendship Death Strength of The Small

Stephane Tchoudja Nana {Memory of}

By JM PerezJune 18, 20152 min read621 views

“When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.” – Henri J.M. Nouwen (The Road to Daybreak: A Spiritual Journey).

I got a painful call a little while ago informing me of the death of my childhood friend; my best male friend. I feel alone. Time seems to have stopped. I am torn apart. I am falling apart …
We found each other not too long ago after seventeen years and now I have lost him for good.

Nothing is worth loosing a good friend and we shouldn’t give up too easily when it comes to saving a relationship because we cannot reset time. We should strive to stand tough with one another, especially when the odds seem to be against us. Life is short. Live and learn. Love and kindness don’t cost a thing. Spread some Love.

May God be with his family and get them through these difficult times.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” ― Revelation 21:4

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By JM Perez