Shopper News blog: Mobile art cart sparks creativity at Misty’s Pet Depot

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HALLS

Mobile art cart sparks creativity at Misty’s Pet Depot

Ali James, Shopper News correspondent 

When people stop by Misty’s Pet Depot to have their pet groomed or to buy pet supplies, they may be surprised to find an art class in progress. Art Cart, a mobile crafting business, has set up craft supplies, paint and tables at the rear of the store to encourage families to create together.

Art Cart’s open sessions are relaxed, according to founder Erin Morris. “Anyone can drop in and pay to paint a canvas, a wood block or rocks to take home,” she said. “Or book in for an instructor-led class at a specific time.”

The idea for a mobile art business was inspired by the art cart at her daughter’s school. “The teachers don’t have the time for art, and the kids are always excited when they see the art cart rolling down the hallway at school,” said Morris, who launched Art Cart in February.

“We were created for the community,” said Morris. “We offer a wide variety of instructed and uninstructed classes to inspire and ignite everyone’s creative spark and spirit. We provide the paint and materials, you bring the heart.”

Uninstructed drop-in art times are generally noon-5 p.m. during the week. Rock or block painting costs $6 per person and canvas board painting starts at $15.
Potential themes in the future may include anything from macramé to making your own cat toy. “We are just seeing what people want,” said Morris. Themes will be community-driven; if enough people want to try Bible journaling, Morris said she will find the appropriate artist to teach it.

Morris hopes to offer homeschool craft times as well as summer programming.
Pet store owner Misty Lifford has rescued a number of cats that roam freely throughout the store – they are not for sale or for adoption. “We had no time to do this ourselves,” said Lifford, who saw Art Cart as a good opportunity to combine art with pet care. “We wanted to bring something to this side of town. Our staff is super knowledgeable when it comes to pet care. Children can come in and learn what it takes to look after that hamster they want and paint a picture of one to take home.”

The animals are a therapeutic benefit, according to Morris. “If people have PTSD or anxiety, they can come in and paint when they want,” she said. “With the cats walking around – it’s a calming atmosphere.”

“A family dropped off a pet to groom and they stopped for a minute to do some painting,” said Lifford. “It’s something you don’t find everywhere – you don’t have to paint, but many people end up doing that.”

Art Cart can also bring all of the supplies for an art party at other locations. Class themes can be adapted for all ages, skill sets and interests. “The best thing about the business is that it’s mobile,” said Morris. “We can take it everywhere, we can leave the cats behind."

Art Cart’s open art sessions and scheduled classes are currently hosted inside Misty’s Pet Depot at 5451 Washington Pike, near New Harvest Park. For up-to-date class information and drop-in workshop times, go to https://www.facebook.com/artcartheart.

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NORTH/EAST

‘Being Me (And Loving It!)’ at Whittle Springs Middle

Carol Z. Shane, Shopper News correspondent 

Recently, Whittle Springs Middle School students and their families were treated to an evening of indulgence – you might call it a “spa day” – when several area businesses partnered with school counselors and others in the helping professions to present “Being Me (And Loving It!)”

In attendance were professionals from Massage Envy, Brown Chiropractic, Razor Sharp Barber Shop, and cosmetology students from Fulton High School.

Nice though the pampering was, the event was about much more.

Also present were representatives from the Metropolitan Drug Commission, Smoke Free Knoxville, Ladies of Charity, the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network and Girls Inc., a nonprofit organization with the central goal of empowering and inspiring girls and young women.

The event was created by Florence Ndiaye, Whittle Springs’ indefatigable parent resource center coordinator. “I think with middle school students – and even their parents – they have to learn to have confidence and love themselves. You know, what does self-confidence look like? What does being a successful person look like? And if students are having trouble, we address that. We learn to identify these things.”

“She does so much,” said Becky Grubb, there with her daughter Alicia. “We just love her.”

Energetic music played as girls and women had their hair styled and their nails painted. There were sandwiches, multiple raffle winners and smiling faces all around.

Pam Olive, who works for Omni Family Services and who represented the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, said several children and teens had requested cards with the suicide hotline number. “I’m worried about a friend of mine,” said one.

“That alone,” said Olive, “makes this whole event worthwhile.”

FARRAGUT

Veteran's D.C. trip was one to remember

Margie Hagen, Shopper News correspondent 

As HonorAir Knoxville’s next flight number 26 prepares to depart McGhee Tyson Airport on April 11, Vietnam veteran Robert O’Dare looks back on his own trip; he was a member of flight 25 last October.

'Overwhelmed'

“It was wonderful,” O’Dare said. “I didn’t know what to expect, but was overwhelmed with the welcome and response that was shown by so many.” Starting with the departure from McGhee Tyson Airport, O’Dare was amazed by the attention to detail. “The organization of the trip was impeccable,” he said, noting that it was an example of how a big operation should run.

Landing at the airport in Washington, D.C., the group was greeted by crowds cheering, waving flags and hands. As buses took them to the memorials, more people lined the streets, welcoming and honoring the entourage.

Prior trips have focused on WWII and Korean War veterans; with those dwindling, soldiers who fought in Vietnam now make up the bulk of the guests. Yes, they are guests; the flight and arrangements are handled and paid for by HonorAir Knoxville. Under the direction of founder Eddie Mannis, the organization has flown more than 3,200 veterans on 25 flights over the past 10 years.

It’s a full 12-hour day with activities, snacks and meals planned. Each veteran has a volunteer escort; O’Dare was sponsored and escorted by Roger Gum. “I can’t imagine how many volunteers it takes to make these trips happen,” O’Dare said.

Rescued Marines in Vietnam

In a long and illustrative career as a Marine pilot, O’Dare served two tours of duty in Vietnam, first as a helicopter pilot and later flying a single-seat A-4 plane. In 1968 he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for a successful mission to rescue fellow Marines pinned down by enemy fire. He went on to become an expert on the Harrier “Jump Jet,” serving his last post at the Pentagon before retiring as a lieutenant colonel.

O’Dare and his fellow Vietnam veterans were thankful for the gratitude shown by everyone they encountered. “It wasn’t like this before,” he said. “We (military personnel) got a poor reception when we returned from the war.” HonorAir’s mission is to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of all veterans through these visits to the memorials built in their honor.

To apply for an upcoming trip, become a volunteer escort or student ambassador, visit honorairknoxville.com, or call 865-859-9279. For veterans who can’t physically make the trip, there is a virtual flight scheduled in June at Bridgewater Place. And you can show your support for our veterans by being on hand to welcome them back to Knoxville on April 11 at around 8 p.m. Arrival updates will be posted on their Facebook page.

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HALLS/FOUNTAIN CITY 

Gibbs High Eagles of the Month

Ruth White, Shopper News 

Gibbs High School recently announced the students selected as February Eagles of the Month.

Selections are made by staff members and are awarded for good grades, participation in the classroom and positive attitude. On occasion, the honor is given to a student who may have fallen on rough times but chose to work hard and make improvements in grades and attitude. 

Ninth-grade students selected are Maxamus Stafford and Hanna Herrell. Maxamus was honored for working hard to become successful in the classroom and for showing a better attitude while at school. Hanna was given the honor for having a great attitude, for volunteering to help in the classroom and for working hard to improve in band.

Sophomore students honored are Walter Caughorn and Bethany Wright. Walter was recognized for his positive attitude and never complaining in class and for taking the tasks at hand and working through them. Bethany has been called a very studious and responsible student by her geometry teacher. She is known for her positive attitude and her diligence.

Representing the junior class are Austin Cooper and Shashauna Boles. Austin has been called an active class participant, natural leader and deep thinker by his English III class. He is known for his positive attitude and kind nature. Shashauna is eager to learn and participate in the criminal justice program at Gibbs and has proven to be a great leader. She is involved in LinkUp and student government.

Senior class representatives are Timothee Buangala and Allison Murray. Timothee participates in class discussions, sharing his thoughts with respect, and brings in other information from previous classes to aid in classwork. Allison is recognized for her growth and leadership in the choral department at Gibbs. 

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SOUTH

Recent or retro, it's 'game on' at Level Up

Heather Robinson, Shopper News correspondent 

Whether you are wanting to throw back to your retro gaming roots or you are searching for the latest trend in gaming, Level Up has you covered.

The store focuses on every aspect of game play and is staffed by fun-loving folks who are ready to help you take gaming to the next level.

Most of the staff at Level Up have been playing games longer than some of their customers have been alive. Their commitment to gaming makes them the perfect folks to staff a store of this kind.

“The first game I played was Pitfall on the Atari 2500,” says owner Chris Haynes. “I have been playing video games since the 1980s!”

“The first games I remember playing were for the original Nintendo Entertainment System,” Justin Carnes chimes in. “Super Mario Bros, Duck Hunt, Gunsmoke and even Battletoads, which I still have never beaten!”

Carnes serves as the store's “Deck Doctor” and also organizes gaming tournaments. His knowledge of games past and present has come in handy at Level Up.

“Basically I've been a gamer since I was old enough to pick up the controller,” Carnes laughs.

Haynes opened Level Up because, with the popularity of gaming, it was a hole left unfilled in the area. The store recently moved to a new location that makes it convenient for folks in South Knoxville and Seymour. At 10721 Chapman Highway, the store is nestled beside a popular coffee shop in a strip mall.

“When we originally opened down the road, Seymour didn't have anything like us,” says Haynes.

“We brought something new to the area,” says Sam Soto, assistant manager. “With our new location, we provide a safe environment for anyone to have fun!”

Level Up sells games and gaming systems in most every format including XBox 360, PS3, GameCube, Gameboy, DS, Genesis and Wii. They also carry a variety of board games and card games, including Magic and Pokemon. You will also find the highly collectible Funko Pop figures in characters from Tomb Raider’s Lara Croft to superhero Green Hornet.

“We also host a variety of free Magic:The Gathering events throughout the week,” says Carnes. “Our most popular one is the Friday Night Magic. We also have a regular Dungeons and Dragons group that meets every Tuesday.”

Staffers hope to start board game and video game events in store soon and are happy to rent their space out to those looking for a unique and fun-filled party idea.

According to the staff, the most popular games with customers at the moment are Monster Hunter Worlds, Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, Far Cry 5, and Call of Duty World War II. But they admit that it is constantly changing, making it hard to pinpoint just a few titles.

“Anyone can be a gamer,” says Soto. “In this day and age, it doesn't matter if you are male or female, 7 or 70 – everyone is welcome!”

“To me, it is more than a store. It is more like a big community,” admits Carnes. “Eight out of 10 customers are individuals that I know by face or name. It makes my day to build a relationship with each customer and to see those relationships grow. I think that personal, family feel is one of the things that makes people want to come back.”

For more information about upcoming events, visit www.facebook.com/LevelUpGamesAndHobbies or phone the store at 865-299-4263. Hours are 11 to 9 Monday through Saturday and 1 to 6 on Sunday.

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NORTH/EAST

Around the world at L&N STEM Academy

Carol Z. Shane, Shopper News correspondent 

The halls were alive with the sights, sounds and delicious smells of many cultures when L&N STEM Academy held its annual “STEM Around the World Festival” on a recent Saturday.

Visitors could spend time in a variety of countries, all represented in the upstairs rooms of the historic L&N Hotel, one of the school’s main buildings. The colorful event raises funds for a senior gift to the under-classes.

“Senior gifts are traditions in many high schools,” says Becky Ashe, founding principal of the school. “Beginning with our first graduating class five years ago, our students have chosen to participate. The gift is always something to enhance the L&N experience for future classes.”

Past gifts include picnic tables for the school’s outdoor plaza, a professional grade portable sound system and a Gryphon – the school mascot – statue for the front flower bed. This year, says Ashe, “the officers of 2018 have narrowed it down to either some seating and upgraded tables for our veranda area or a commissioned concrete frieze of the school seal to be installed on the plaza sidewalk.”

The festival was put on wholly by the students of L&N STEM Academy. They’ve raised over $1,500 so far, and further donations are always welcome.

“I love that our students have continued this tradition that models the understanding of the concept that graduating from our school makes them part of something bigger than themselves,” says Ashe. “The senior gifts are physical reminders of the importance of each class to pay it forward for those coming after, and to be deliberate about the legacy they create for themselves to leave behind.”

Info: 865-329-8440 or visit www.knoxschools.org/landn.

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FARRAGUT

'Community Champions' deliver more than food

Margie Hagen, Shopper News correspondent 

The Community Action Committee’s recent “Community Champions March for Meals” brought members of the Knoxville City Council, Knox County Commission, and mayor’s offices out to help deliver meals to homebound seniors. The annual event is run by the Office on Aging; it’s an opportunity for officials to see the impact firsthand.

Alderman Ron Williams stood in for Farragut Mayor Ralph McGill this year; he’s an advocate of Mobile Meals, saying, “This is what makes a community.  We support these programs any way we can.” 

Farragut resident Chloris Cooley receives noontime meals five days a week; she uses an oxygen tank and that makes getting around and cooking difficult.  “It’s wonderful that people care about what happens to me,” she said. “Having meals delivered helps a lot.”

The food is important, but equally important is the contact with the volunteers. “Best of all, I get to see Ruben,” Cooley said, referring to Ruben Hernandez, longtime Mobile Meals driver. Greeting Cooley with a cheerful smile, Hernandez takes time to catch up with her, conducting a wellness check in the process.

“The wellness checks are essential to the program,” says Aging Services Manager Angela Grant, adding, “We encourage our volunteers to report back if they notice any problems so we can intervene and refer clients to other services.”

The food is good too; Grant is proud of serving “real meals.” Fresh organic produce from CAC Beardsley Community Farm supplements the menus. “We are the first in the nation to include farm-to-table produce whenever we can,” she said.       

Cooley likes the food, but like most other seniors, truly appreciates being able to stay in her own home. Remaining independent is meaningful for her; walls are covered with family photos, and belongings collected over a lifetime are neatly displayed. Large windows frame the view from the living room; she likes to watch the birds.

A hospice worker and minister visit on a regular basis; Cooley says, “I can’t complain about my life. I’ve been blessed with these people who care deeply, and by the Lord.”

In Knoxville and Knox County, roughly 925 meals are delivered every weekday. Federal and state grants provide funding along with United Way, businesses, civic organizations, church and individual donations. You can “adopt a senior” by going to knoxcac.org.

All those meals need volunteers to deliver them. “You don’t have to make a big commitment,” says Grant. “You can volunteer once a month, once a week, or as often as you like, even if it’s just for one day.” Delivery times are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with one- or two-hour routes available. Call 865-524-2786 to find out more.

For Hernandez, “It’s a way to make a difference.” Since retiring from the Peace Corps in 2011, delivering meals along with kindness is now part of his routine. “I just wanted to help,” he said.

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WORDS OF FAITH

Easter living is loving, forgiving and serving

John Tirro, Shopper News columnist

Happy Easter!  It’s spring, the days are getting longer, and for a lot of people, it’s a time of new clothes, hats, ham, and fertility symbols: eggs and rabbits. Thing is, resurrection is about new life, but it’s really not about eggs and bonnets. It’s about forgiveness. It’s about loving service.  

To get at that, I want to bring your attention back a few days, to the Thursday before Easter, a day many call Maundy Thursday. Maundy comes from an old Latin word, mandatum, meaning “command,” and it has to do with Jesus’ ‘new commandment’, that we love one another. 

On this particular Thursday, Jesus gathered for a meal with his friends, and the die was already cast. “The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him” (John 13:2). Jesus knew this. He knew his time had come, and that his friends would betray and abandon him. The die was cast. The end was near. So what did he do?

He loved them and served them. “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him” (vv3-5).

He let them know, he knew they would abandon and betray him — “Very truly I tell you, one of you will betray me” (v21) and “Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times” (v38), and yet, “he loved them to the end” (v1). By word and example, he taught them — and us — to love and serve each other. “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (v34).

Here’s why I bring this up. The die is cast, for you and me. Sometimes life makes this especially clear. A relationship or job or time of life or medical treatment is at an end. But always, life is short and we are fragile. Even at our smartest and strongest, our strength and understanding are limited and will end. What’s your next move? What’s one beautiful thing you can do today, to love or forgive or serve?

As you think about that, here’s a piece of good news. This wasn’t the last meal Jesus shared with his friends. After his death — and therefore, after they had betrayed and abandoned him — they experienced him alive again, sharing a meal and saying, “Peace be with you.” His love lives beyond his betrayal, and he gives his love to be ours.  

When we’re baptized, that’s what we’re baptized into. When we share communion, that’s what we share. In the midst of a world where the die is always cast, we have a chance to live, love, forgive, and serve again.

Rev. John Tirro is the Campus Ministry Pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church in Knoxville. For more information go to sjlcknox.org.

BEARDEN

Elementary kids take flight in 'Wing It!'

John Shearer, Shopper News correspondent 

Bearden Elementary students recently learned a little about the life of birds – particularly songbirds!

On March 27, first- and second-graders at the school at 5717 Kingston Pike presented a musical play called “Wing It!” by John Jacobson.

Held in the school’s gym that features a stage in the front, the event included multiple songs and speaking parts about how young birds get out of their comfort zones by having to take such steps and risks as learning to fly.

While the youngsters were acting these parts in the 30-minute musical, they were no doubt having to experience getting out of their comfort zones in real life as well by learning to sing and speak in front of people.

“We ask kids all the time to learn new things, even hard things, but one of our mottos is that we can do those hard things,” said music teacher and play director Lee Ann Parker. “This little musical goes along with this.”

In front of a standing-room-only audience of parents, grandparents and other supporters, the youngsters performed five songs and told the story of how four little birds – played by Julie Karnes, Charlotte Tapp, Aiden Strand and Talon Drozdowski – learned to fly.

After opening with the song “Birds of a Feather,” the students then sang “Flying/We Like It Here,” obviously showing the young birds were not quite ready to fly.

Following a song that featured hummingbirds – and hums -- to the tune of a Hawaiian-like song backed by a ukelele sound, the lives of geese flying in order and raptors were highlighted. The latter was done while “Rap of the Raptors” was sung.

After one of the numerous children with speaking parts said, “Everyone gets frightened when they try something new,” the last small bird flew to the support of a jazzy song with the accompanying words, “Just go out there and wing it.”

The musical ended with an encore of the opening song, “Birds of a Feather.”

All in all, a good time was had, and the youngsters seemed to enjoy the musical and participating in it. “I like the last part, when all the baby birds got out and flew,” said Coleman Miller, who played Papa Bird alongside Mama Bird Madeleine Moore.

But they also learned another life lesson – that not everything goes according to plan.

“It is funny how the mic never works on my turn,” joked River Cole, who played a raptor and spoke his part when the microphone temporarily quit working.

Parker, who said that the students have been working on the musical since late January, hopes the students take something with them in addition to the happy and fun memories.

“There are some real good lessons in this to help them gain confidence,” she said. “A lot of them have to go on in high school or college and take public speaking or speech, and this is the first little step with that.”

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POWELL

Powell Middle students blossom in 'Rain'

Mike Blackerby, Shopper News correspondent 

The stars came out during the recent Powell Middle School performance of "Singin’ in the Rain Jr.", the 1952 American musical-romantic comedy that featured Hollywood legends Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds.

More than 40 PMS students were involved in the three-day run of the musical, which played to about 250 audience members each night, March 22-24.

“These kids are really multi-talented,” said Alison Smith, a chorus teacher at PMS who also served as director for the musical.

“Even if the kids don’t end up on Broadway, they’ll always have an appreciation of the arts.”

Smith said at least one of her former student actors has gone on to perform on Broadway.

The March curtain call marked six months of dedicated preparation leading up to the final three performances.

“We had auditions back in October,” explained Smith, who has directed 14 shows in her 14 years as a teacher at PMS. “We started doing the musical aspect through November and December and started staging and blocking in January.”

Smith said there were many sterling performances by her students, including Grant Trivette’s portrayal of Don Lockwood, the lead character in the musical.

“Grant is an eighth-grader, and to see his progress over the last three years has been a great thing,” she said. “He is a very reserved student, but the part of his character called for him to sing in the rain, skip on the stage and dance with the umbrella. He owned that character.”

Female lead Molly Featherston, who played Kathy Selden, dazzled with her many talents, according to Smith.

“She’s a fantastic singer and dancer. Like Grant, she has been in productions at Powell Middle School for three years. When she came to me she already knew a lot of stuff. I have a feeling we’ll see Molly on Broadway.”

Strong supporting roles were played by Lynzee Brown (as Lina Lamont) and Josh Rodriguez (as Cosmo Brown).

“Lynzee did a great job,” said Smith. “She played a character who had a very annoying high-pitched squeaky voice. Josh has a great voice. To have a boy who can sing like that in middle school is a rare find.”

Smith said Rodriguez is typical of many of her students who come alive when the stage lights are turned on.

“A lot of my students are very shy and introverted. When they get up on stage and become somebody else, they just own it. It’s great to see them blossom.”

When the curtain falls for the final time, Smith said it’s both rewarding and sad.

“These kids, who are in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades, create such a tight-knit, awesome production,” she said. “When it’s over, there are lots of tears.”

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KARNS

Karns High School JROTC runs out of space, plans building

Nancy Anderson, Shopper News correspondent 

The Karns High School JROTC meets in a tiny classroom, but rather than complain about it, they’ve decided to build their own building.

The new building will be a $3 million state-of-the-art facility boasting 9,000 square feet, interior classrooms, and space enough for drill meets, military balls, marksmanship, and physical education.

There will be an industrial kitchen, and the building will be available to the school and the community for gatherings, banquets, and perhaps the prom.

 The JROTC used to meet in a space that is now the Culinary Arts Program. Now it meets in a tiny classroom and has to compete for gym time.

“It’s great that the kids have a Culinary Arts Program,” said Lt. Col. John O’Donnell. “They’ll graduate with a certificate and be able to get jobs in restaurants right away, but we sat down and tried to figure out what to do about our space problem. The amount of space in the building is limited.

“Most people complain about not having space, so we said why not just make our own. It’s a first for JROTC programs. No one has built their own building, so this is a first. I’ve heard the quote ‘Adversity is opportunity in disguise.’ This is our opportunity.”

The JROTC has already gotten the support of the community in raising the $3 million. They’ve started a Go Fund Me page and plan to reach out to personal contacts, go after grants, and vie for pro bono work and materials.

“The first thing we’re going to do is reach out to people we know. We have one parent that has 27,000 professional contacts. We’ll develop teams to go out into the community to present our cause, we’ll go after grants and anything we can get pro bono.

“We plan to raise the money within the next three years.”

The project is currently in the site survey stage and will be located where the old tennis courts are.

The building will be named after former student Lt. Col. Frank Bryant, who was killed in the line of duty.

 “We’re going to have a small museum dedicated to Lt. Col Frank Bryant. He was a student here at Karns High School on the wrestling team. He flew F-16s and was assigned to Afghanistan. He was killed when a soldier turned coat and ran into the Command Post with a grenade. He and several others were killed.

“We’ll call the building something like the ‘Frank Bryant Center for Student Excellence.”’

To donate: https://www.gofundme.com/pg6dd-building-fund

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OPINION

Thoughts of love, questions about hate

Leslie Snow, Shopper News columnist 

It’s late in the evening and I’m at home alone, relaxing to the drone of the television set. I flip through the channels and settle on “Call the Midwife.” I see women encouraging each other through labor. I watch the joy of babies being born to hopeful parents. The sight brings a smile to my face and makes me think of my daughter, Jordan, who’s pregnant with her second child. A girl this time, Clara.

I reach for my phone to give Jordan a call. “I just wanted to tell you how excited I am to meet Clara. I can’t believe she’ll be here in a few weeks! Your pregnancies go by fast.”

She laughs. “Maybe to you, but I feel like I’ve been pregnant forever.” “By design,” I tell her. “After nine months it doesn’t matter if you’re nervous about having a baby. You just want your body back.”

“I am nervous,” she confesses, “but not about labor. I just can’t imagine loving another human being as much as I love Simon. I don’t know how to divide my love so they both get their share.” I can picture her twisting the curls in her hair as she works through her anxiety.

“I know how you feel. I worried about the same thing when I was pregnant with Zack. I figured it out by the time Ethan was born.”

“What’s it like? How can I feel that same intense love for another child?”

“You’re looking at love as a finite thing,” I explain, “but it doesn’t work like that. It’s not as if you’re born with a set amount of love and you spend your life doling it out until it’s gone. That’s one of the amazing things about human beings, we have an endless capacity to love. I promise you’ll love Clara as fiercely as you love Simon.”

She seems comforted by my words. Then we talk about the delivery and Clara’s nursery until Jordan gets sleepy. We say goodnight and I go back to flipping channels.

But I’m not really paying attention to the TV. I keep thinking about what I told Jordan about our infinite capacity to love. The thought is comforting to me, too. I like the sound of the words. And they seem true until I flip to one of the cable news channels.

I watch a clip of two lawyers yelling at each other. I change the channel and see a panel of political pundits arguing over guns and student protests. I sigh. Every day feels like an assault on my senses and my sensibilities. I don’t know what to make of the shouting and the vitriol. People say politics has always been ugly, that we forget our history and focus too much on the moment.

Maybe that’s true, but I don’t know why it should make me feel better. I go back to thinking about what I told Jordan, that our ability to love is infinite. And just for a moment, I brush over the corollary. If our ability to love is infinite, what about our ability to hate?

That idea leaves a pit in my stomach, so I brush it aside. I think about my daughter instead and the little girl she’s carrying. I focus on what I know to be true, Jordan will love her daughter as deeply as she loves her son. It will feel like a miracle but it’s just how we’re made. Then I turn off the TV and take that thought to bed with me.

Leslie Snow may be reached at snow column@aol.com.

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