Thank you

A few years ago, Alex, my middle son, went to Ohio for the summer to help his dad as he recovered from major back surgery. As that summer came to end, I encouraged him to stay there for the school year. He stayed...and stayed...now finishing up his senior year. I completely forgot one of the things I truly hate about Ohio--school fees.

In this country, our children are legally entitled to a FREE and Appropriate Public Eduction (FAPE). But the state of Ohio--illegally--charges school fees. They claim the fees are to cover supplies other than textbooks. Yet they have extensive supply lists that parents must fill not only at the beginning of each year but replenish through the year. How they get away with charging these fees is beyond me.

In any case, I was reminded of all this when Alex told me, about a month ago, that he wouldn't be allowed to attend Prom or participate in his graduation ceremonies unless his fees (over $400) were paid. He works part time at Red Lobster. His dad is a repair tech for Best Buy. Neither of them could come up with the money.

Ha. I make twenty dollar spindles. Not quite twenty dollars, and even less wholesale. But thanks to every one who's bought a spindle or two or fifteen in the past six weeks...Alex is going to Prom and I will be driving to Cleveland to attend his graduation ceremony on June 9th.

Thank you. Thank you so very much.