It’s spring, election time and TAKS testing time. How confused can any one month get? Mrs. Brockman is working her fingers to the bone, trying to make sure everyone has learned the concepts she has been drilling all year. I find myself resentful when it comes to these tests. I know she has tried to get students to memorize times tables, I’ve written about it in this column, yet there are still many students who stumble over the three and four times tables in 4th and 5th grade. I suspect if I pushed the matter, I would find 6th graders who didn’t know their basic Math facts.

Yet, she and I, and countless other teachers will be held responsible for their lack of knowledge. I have many good parents, they work with their kids at home and come up and visit often. I love that, it means we are working together for the betterment of their child. It’s hard to tell tales on your parents or your teacher if they are talking to one another. Unfortunately I have some who are too busy, or too overwhelmed with their lives to recognize that their child is overwhelmed by their responsibilities. I just wish parents would make sure that homework gets done at night, that time is spent on Math tables and reading fluency. I know life is tough but an education is absolutely vital for success these days.

I don’t want to get off on the elections. I’m sure we are all wishing for this process to come to an end. The Sheriff’s department has been called out three times for underage drivers running in the street with a go cart. Each of the three officers called out gave the driver a different answer, ranging from it’s okay, to if you even put it near the street you get a citation. I know I’m not getting the whole story, because I heard another piece of it today in church. The young people in question are driving very fast; they are endangering themselves and others. One lady stated, “I don’t want them to crash and die in front of me, I don’t think I would get over that.” I agree. My husband and I went through that several years ago, and the trauma was more than sickening. We still have bad dreams about that incident. I’m sure the different answers from officers, also has a twist that hasn’t been discussed. I stand on the record, and say very clearly. Underage drivers should not be on city roads, country roads or anywhere that could be considered public. They have no insurance, they are not mature enough to recognize the dangers associated with excessive speed and they lack the control to handle their vehicles properly. Plus, it is illegal to drive without a license on public roads. Sorry kids, it just isn’t right. Parents are responsible for damages, but what do you do when someone is killed or damaged for life? There is no repayment for that kind of damage.

Joy to the world, my son should be home next week. They are not allowed to give exact times etc. I wish they could, but I understand why they don’t. I get teary eyed when I think of holding him in a big bear hug!

I hope all those young men and women coming home are met with happy families and cheering crowds. His family are counting days and hours; optimistically hoping for the earliest day and flight. Thank you everyone for your wonderful prayers and love kissed packages. You are part of the success of this mission.

I may have to write the column for the 26th early. I have been debating with myself for the last few weeks. My niece is getting married and my sister would like me to attend. The cost is very high. I would not hesitate but I can only stay a few days thanks to those wonderful TAKS tests. I have checked all those low fares and the closest I can get is over $500. That’s way too much money for so short a trip, at least, that’s what I keep telling myself. The other factor is of course the love factor. My sisters and I are separated by many miles; we miss out on far too many momentous occasions in each other’s life. When you peer through those misty love shades, the cost is not significant. The return on the dollar is wonderfully high. That commercial we all watch says “priceless”. So, I expect I shall bite the bullet, try to explain to all my Scots ancestors, who are presently turning over in their graves, that family is more important than money.

Have a wonderful week; please pray for our country, our government, our wonderful soldiers and our president and president to be. Take a moment, and thank God, that we can have elections without riots in the street. Don’t get worried about all the water running in the streets; those are tears of joy from a happy mom.