Labradorescence.  That is the word i think of as i consider the voices and concerns of parents.  The Parent workshop at Oakland University provided another glimpse into the world of GEAR UP youth and thier families.  I heard concerns about costs of college, the value of their understanding the college experience, the group/social interaction value of safety (my child is with positive non violent youths and in a safe environment) and their struggles as parents to support their children at home and in the program.  Oh yes, i am a bit of an gem stone enthusiast.  Each gemstone has certain properties that make it something unique.  Labradorite is the stone that captures the essence of the northern lights Aurora Borealis--a beautiful phenomenon that occurs when solar winds cause molecules to collide. The stone itself at times appears gray or just ordinary but when it catches the light there is this mysterious  play of colors.  Our parents for the most part are working class parents who engage in all of the everyday responsibilities of parenting--no limelight or glory.  But when you consider their sacrifice of getting involved and supporting not only their children but wanting all of the youths to succeed--that labradorescense--the show of something wonderful something good. When the young people entered the room for lunch they gave a rousing hand clap and thanked the students for doing the right thing and working hard to succeed.