The blog of Paula J. Johnson, writer, illustrator and co-founder of Wee the People Publishing L.L.C

In the last post, I referenced a letter from Jefferson to his older daughter listing her responsibilities toward her young sister, her “precious charge”.

This is number one on the list. “…Teach her above all things to be good: because without that we can neither be valued by others, nor set any value on ourselves.” One thing we seem to have lost in our society is the concept that children need to be taught to be good. There has been a world view shift from the idea that mankind is born with the inherant disposition toward the wrong, to the idea that we are born innocent and all good. Looking at a newborn causes that mistake to be easily made. But any parent can attest to the fact that the day comes a few months later when they are no longer crying because they are hungry, but now they are mad because they were allowed to get to the point of hunger. “Why are my parents so incompetent!?!?!” Did you teach them to be demanding, and selfish? Why of course not.And so the job begins to teach them to be patient, to think of others first, to obey their parents (“…for this is right” says our Heavenly Father), to love God, etc., etc. Really, the Ten Commandments is a good place to start. It is a simple ten which mankind has tried to define in the millions of laws we write to mitigate our bad behavior for disobeying the simple ten! We have a little creed, The Creed of a Soldier’s Child, in the activity sheet which is included in each of our books, We Serve Too!–A Child’s Deployment Book. It is a simple statement of courage and purpose a family can memorize and recite. One part says, “I will always strive to do my duty: learn my lessons, do my chores, love my family and neighbors…”  Children love to memorize and do it so easily. I can attest to the fact that helping a child memorize is a redeeming task of parenthood.  It will bless your heart as you learn or relearn these things along side your child. While you do mundane chores, your heart will rehearse and meditate upon these simple truths. And as the struggles of life encroach, it will be a lighthouse of warning about the dangers of straying off course.We have such rich writings from our founding fathers, giving advice on how to live well as citizens of this free nation.  George Washington, in his Circular Address to the States, June 8, 1783 (again I am referencing Bennett’s book, Our Sacred Honor) said  “…I make it my earnest prayer that God would… incline the Citizens…to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow Citizens of the United State at large, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the Field and finally, that he would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all, to do Justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with Charity, humility and pacific temper of mind…” Hmm…”do justice, love mercy, walk humbly..”  Do good? And…stay brave!

 I was reading Our Sacred Honor—Words of Advice from the Founders in Stories, Letters, Poems, and Speeches, compiled and edited by William J. Bennett. Did you know that Thomas Jefferson’s family suffered much separation? He was widowed when his girls were only ten and four. He was on a deployment of sorts to France for many years and his sister was tending to the youngest girl at home. Even in France, it seems he was at times separated from his older daughter as he writes this letter to her, Molly (“Patsy”), instructing her in her duties toward her younger sister, Mary (“Polly”) as he brings her across the Atlantic to join them. In these brief excerpts, I can’t help but think this is inspiration for all the keepers of the home. He writes,“…she will become a precious charge on your hands” , “…Teach her above all things to be good: because without that we can neither be valued by others, nor set any value on ourselves.” , “…Teach her to be always true. No vice is so mean as the want of truth, and at the same time so useless.”, “…Teach her never to be angry. Anger only serves to torment ourselves, to divert others, and alienate their esteem.”“…Teach her industry and application to useful pursuits.” The first step to accomplishing a difficult job (like parenting alone) is to understand the purpose. Jefferson gives weight to the task; “…she will become a precious charge on your hands”.  Children are the precious charge of parents. Sacrifice is a given in taking up the care and protection of such charges. But there seems to be a universal law that applies here—with great sacrifice, comes great reward. When you feel like your life is on hold—think first of your little charges; when you want to say, “I didn’t sign up for this!”—think first of your little charges; when fatigue is adding a hundred pounds to each shoe—think first of your little charges.  Their routines and relationships are soil their little hearts can grow in. The temptation will always be to change your circumstances. There are times for that, but I have found that changing attitudes will generally bring more rest than changing location or your job. A piece of advice given to me during my challenging years has proved invaluable—“don’t quit on a bad day!” It will not be a rational decision. To all of you fulfilling your charge to head the family for a while, may you find strength for your task, courage in your undertaking, willingness to walk the hard road, and great reward upon its completion. May love inspire you and be your companion as you sacrifice for those in your home and those away. Let’s explore Jefferson’s other instructions to Patsy in subsequent blogs. In the meantime—stay brave!

We just sent 6 boxes of books to Fort Sill, Oklahoma. We are thrilled to know some brave young children will be getting our book We Serve Too!–A Child’s Deployment Book to thank them for their courage and service to our country and to honor them in April–the Month of the Military Child.

We give them a big salute of gratitude, and a humble promise of prayers for them and for their parents.  Stay brave!

(and…Happy Iraqi Liberation Day!)

Welcome to my very first blog,.

It is a way of introducing you to my very first children’s book, We Serve Too!—A Child’s Deployment Book.

Actually, it’s not MY book, it is a joint endeavor with my dear friend, Kathleen Edick. I was fortunate to have her acquaintance at the time her son joined the Army and she searched for resources to support her anxious little grandchildren as he left first for boot camp and later for Iraq.

Always clever and creative, she came with this fantastic story and illustration idea and we got swept up in the project together. After rewrites and revisions, reservations and risk-taking, we have finally produced this published work. Our little publishing company, Wee the People Publishing, LLC, has found a place in the hearts of Americans, young and old, military and civilian.

We Serve Too! honors the little ones who sacrifice for our sake, gives comfort and courage as they wait for Dad’s return, and gives civilian children (and adults) a glimpse into military family life and a recognition of the high price of freedom.

I will tell more later about the book, reactions to it, and some interesting connections we have made with people and organizations as we begin this new journey. Visit our website www.weservetoo.com to learn more.