Pablo Casals

"Each second we live is a new and unique moment of the universe,
a moment that never was before and never will be again.
And what do we teach our children in school?
We teach them that two and two make four
and that Paris is the capital of France.
When will we also teach them what they are?
We should say to each of them: Do you know what you are?
You are a marvel. You are unique.
In all of the world there is no other child exactly like you.
In the millions of years that have passed, there has never been a child like you.
and look at your body - what a wonder it is!
Your legs, your arms, your cunning fingers, the way you move!
You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven.
You have the capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel.
And when you grow up, can you then harm another who is, like you, a marvel?
You must cherish one another.
We must all work -
to make this world worthy of its children."

I had my parent meeting today with Miss Vari, Ted's violin teacher. We talked mostly about philosophy and the goals of "Pre-Twinkle" level. We have a gummy bear box stuffed with paper towels and one package of real gummies, all contact-papered in a wood pattern with a painting stick taped under it, for the neck of the violin. This is what he will start on; I assume to learn proper positioning and etiquette before starting on a real one. Very cute. I am looking forward to this journey we are about to take! His first lesson is next Tuesday at 1:30.