In Life Are There Second Chances? - Strawberry Lime Sparkler

Are there second chances? When we do something wrong or make a mistake should we get another try? Maybe there is no such thing.

A colleague was recently fired. Or perhaps the kind way to say it is let go. His mistake was so egregious that he did not deserve a second chance. And we were more than colleagues. We were, are, friends. He had come to one of Poet and Flower's birthday parties. We talked about family, hobbies, and all sorts of things while at work. One day, he was there, and the next day not. We talked about what had happened and what he could have done differently, but in the end, there was no going back.

Flower recently got into a little bit of trouble at karate summer camp. She decided to write her name on one of the lockers. Flower used a sharpie and carefully wrote her name. She should not have, and she knew better. I'm not really sure how she thought that could be a good idea. But, she cleaned up the mess (with a little speed and rubbing the sharpie came off), and said sorry. She came home upset and in tears. Flower felt very bad and guilty about what she had done. We talked to her karate sensei about what had happened. Her sensei offered wise words saying kids make mistakes. That's part of growing up. Flower was relieved to hear this, knowing she had clearly made a mistake.

And perhaps that's what it is. As a kid, you make mistakes, learn and grow. It is G and I's job to use a mistake not as a cudgel but as a moment to say, hey, you made a mistake and can learn from it. And hopefully, at some point, that should sink in. 

Sure, as adults, we continue to falter and make mistakes. I make mistakes constantly as a parent. But hopefully not one so egregious that it has irrevocable consequences. Hopefully, Poet and Flower will turn out ok. I'm lucky to have G as my voice of reason and as a partner in navigating this crazy world. 

We all deserve a second chance. We get more than one chance as a kid, maybe a handful. Part of the joy of being a kid. But as we grow up, that window slowly closes. And sometimes, we just won't get one. 

Strawberry Lime Sparkler

Strawberries, mint and lime muddled together to make a perfect summer drink. A touch of cardamom gives it a little spice. Its cool, fruity and refreshing.

Serves 4

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup strawberries (cut into pieces)
• 1/2 cup mint
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 24 oz sparkling water

1. In a medium saucepan combine the sugar, water and strawberries. Simmer until the strawberries are soft and the sugar has all dissolved. About 10 minutes.
2. Use an immersion blender to puree the strawberry mixture until smooth.
3. In a pitcher add the mint, lime juice, and cardamom powder. Gently crush the mint. Add the strawberry mixture. Top with sparkling water and ice.