I’m mentoring an astounding 14 year old cartoonist from St. Paul. I just want to say what a humbling experience it is to open yourself up to receive whatever gifts the universe may have for you.

I started this year hoping to mentor again, but not knowing how to make it happen. The local organizations I worked through in the past are no longer doing that here. Still, I felt I had something to share, and something to learn from being a mentor.

Out of the blue, I got a text from an arts organization in St. Paul that I worked with 26 years ago, asking if I would consider working with this young man.

Hurdles are made to be jumped over.

Distance? Pandemic? We’re learning that so many things can be done from a distance. True connections can be made from a distance without sacrificing quality.

We’ve struggled, but there are gifts in the world, too. Even this world, the way it is.

Ask for it. Be willing to receive it.

NEW EPISODES

Flash Meridian is back with new episodes after a year with no transmission being received from his space ship. My friend Bucket has been paying visits to both Flash and Mr. Pumpkinhead. You can check them out at flashmeridian.blogspot.com and misterpumpkinhead.blogspot.com

For most people, guardianship is not the warm fuzzy relationship it is for us. When Summer and I met, it was my intention to adopt her along with her two brothers. Unfortunately she aged out of foster care before we could reach adoption day. DHS and the court determined that she was not competent to sign an adoption release for herself. In an attempt to create permanency and family with Summer, I became her guardian, but in our hearts, I am her father and she is my daughter. The day I became her guardian, October 3, 2019, we changed her last name to mine. The judge asked me on that day if I could think of a less restrictive alternative to guardianship for Summer. I again suggested adoption, and of course that was not an option. I said I could not think of a less restrictive option. The court agreed and granted guardianship. I reiterate this to affirm that I understand the gravity of this relationship for a 20 year old woman like Summer. I do not take this role lightly, and I do not receive any compensation for it.

Guardianship by nature brings restrictions. It’s true that Summer needs supervision and support, but I think what Summer needs more than anything is unconditional and appropriate love and acceptance.

I tell Summer and all of my kids that there is nothing wrong with them. Everyone is different. Everyone has their own strengths and challenges in life. Because of this, Summer has a lot to teach me, just as I can support and nurture her.

I will advocate for her, I will march beside her, I will fight for her and I will love her always.

These cut-outs hung over my parents’ bed on the farm. I remember them being made, but I can’t remember where it was. They are in my bedroom now. Can you recognize me?