I was called into meet with my son's kindergarten teacher. Jim and Tom had colored their roses in bright orange and yellow.

the teacher was upset because she told them to color the roses red. She was also annoyed that they had colored the area surrounding the flowers.

Years later I would find out that my boys are color blind. Perhaps that was the real reason they didn't color the rose red. I prefer to think, as I did then, that my sons are wise and smart enough to see the rainbow of colors that make up the world. Being colored blind doesn't prevent this. Many people with 20/20 eyesight only see the world in black and white, right and wrong.

Tom and Jim have always had active imaginations and ravenous curiosity. They had a wide variety of books, enjoyed a plethora of different types of movies, TV and activities.

They were practicing "out of the box thinking" before the phrase was coined.

Today they have circles of friends that vary in age, beliefs, ethnic origins and lifestyles.

They have married intelligent, creative, active thinking women. Their households blend taking care of responsibilities with enjoying each other, seeking spiritual fulfillment and having fun.

How lucky I am to be the Mom of men who knew early on that roses aren't always red and it enhances a picture when you add blue sky and bright green grass.