
When I was a Montessori guide, we never called roll. I or the assistant would simply take note of who was present, or "here" with the role book in hand. Calling role to 30 preschoolers is just too obtrusive in a Montessorian's minds. And lately I've been thinking of that word "here".
"Am I here?" I sometimes wonder. Our family has been blessed with an absolutely splendid bundle of joy. And if she hasn't forced me to be more present or here, then I'm not sure what/who will? Slowly, I've noticed the changes. Slowly, my focus has increased with lapses here and there to be expected. Slowly, I've let my mind ease on the brakes of its rampant running. Slowly, I've stopped to breathe, to notice, to love, to coo, to cuddle, to kiss, to listen, to marvel in the formation of the newest inhabitant of our home. She has enriched our lives in too many transcendent ways.
So on each of these spectacular Spring days I make a point to take a walk through our neighborhood, to listen to our winged friends sing, to find joy in mundane chores, and yes, to power OFF my computer so that I'm not distracted by the ring of yet another email or tempted to find one more thing to "look up". But instead - to discover that we are just fine without the noise of the modern world and what's more important is that we are indeed "present". I'm signing off for bit now as we travel home to Louisiana. Beatrix will be meeting many special family members and friends for the very first time!