There are times when I am absolutely stunned about the wisdom of my children. It seems that when I’m feeling anxious or down about something, they come through with something amazing.

For example, when I had lost my election for County Commission in 2004, my son Alex decided it would be the right time to draw a picture of the White House (something he’s only seen on TV) and caption it “Hey Dad, I know you’ll work at the White House someday!”

Another example, tonight as I was getting Cristiana to bed, she asked me to read here the “Go Places” story, and pointed at her copy of “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” – by Dr. Seuss. It was a bit fitting as my brain has been whirling for a couple hours about my job prospects. You know, the same ole same ole questions like “Am I actually going to find something before the end of the severance package” and “What will people say during job verification calls” and stuff like that.

There’s a part of the story that hit me tonight (and usually does when I read it):

“You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed.
You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.
Except when you don’t.
Because, someties, you won’t.

I’m sorry to say so but, sadly it’s true that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.
You can get all hung up in a prickle-ly pearch.
And your gang will fly on.
You’ll be left in a Lurch.
You’ll come down from the Lurch with an unpleasant bump.
And the chance are, then, that you’ll be in a Slump.
And when you’re in a Slump, you’re not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself is not easily done …

NO! That’s not for you!
Somehow you’ll escape all that waiting and staying.
You’ll find the bright places where Boom Bands are playing …

On and on you will hike.
And I know you’ll hike far and face up to your problems whatever they are …

And will you succeed?
Yes!
You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)
KID YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!
So …
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea, you’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So … get on your way!”

So thanks to Cristiana’s wisdom, I share this with you tonight. And may Harrison Ford’s words give your dreams a good flight!