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For those not in
the daily orbit of my life, I thought I would provide a quick recap (and I am
fully aware that I may be the only one that will read these words – or care,
for that matter). But every once in
awhile, there is the virtual visitor from Russia, or Germany, or other places I
dream of visiting before my quasi hippie life is done. For those guests, I will provide an update.
As the 2014-15
school year ground to a close, I found myself applying for a job in a much
larger district and at some distance from my home. Miraculously, I landed the job(s) and have
been happily learning the ropes of my new split position. I spend mornings at one school doing reading
interventions, then (literally) drive across the railroad tracks to my second
school, where I oversee the intervention process for that entire school.
I love my
job(s). Truly.
This fall my
youngest Baby Bird flew the coup and is a freshman at the University of North
Dakota, not far from the North Pole and Santa’s workshop. Grand Forks is notoriously cold.
I am not
lonely. Frankly, I wouldn’t be lonely in
the middle of a remote forest. I really
am my own best friend. Solitude is
always welcome in my world. Don’t get me
wrong. I love people and love time spent
with people, but I also embrace the rare moments of complete solitude. So facing the Empty Nest years has not been
intimidating for me. My children all
live within easy driving distance of Rose Hill (our farm). I see them quite often. Those times are filled with feasting,
laughter, and catching up on one another's lives. I have, however, wondered as I approached
this season of my life how I might go about staying busy. Would I find good uses for my time with no
tournaments or concerts to attend?
Near the end of
September, I heard my principal casually mention that we had several students
in our ranks that were residents of the local homeless shelter. Homeless shelter? Here?
As it turns out, the homeless shelter is literally just two blocks away
from my school. I had no idea.
I couldn’t stop
thinking about it. I thought about it as
I lay in bed at night, as I stood in the shower, and as I drove to my dream
job(s). I wanted to help. I was sure there was something I could
do. What could I do?
What?
I am pretty sure
the idea came to me in the shower (all the best ideas do).
I ran my idea by
Mr. Dishy, who is the most logically inclined person I know. He was encouraging and (almost) enthusiastic
(if you know him you are laughing right now).
“Why stop there?” he encouraged me.
He was right. There were other
places that might welcome my services.
And Project
Armchair was born.
Calls to the volunteer directors of both the hospital and the family homeless shelter resulted in enthusiastic responses. They would love to have a certified teacher read aloud to their clients.
My objectives
are fairly simple: give a child in
crisis a moment’s reprieve from distressing circumstances through the power of
quality children’s literature. My desire
as a reading teacher would be fulfilled in furthering my love of reading to a
variety of children, in a variety of ages.
How much better if I gifted the book to that child so that literacy
concepts are furthered even more?
And so…
Since the first
week of October, I have been reading aloud once or twice a week to children in
both locales. I purchased several large
boxes of Scholastic books (the absolute best deal in town) with my own funds
and the blessing of my wonderful husband.
And in only two-and-a-half months, I personally have given away 50
books.
It gets better.
As I began to share
my adventures with colleagues, many expressed the desire to join me in my
mission. I warned that the hospital
volunteer process is not for the faint of heart – hours of lectures,
immunizations, blood work, etc., then secretly crossed my fingers that they
wouldn’t walk away, disheartened. They
didn’t. Teachers are pretty spectacular,
you know.
And so, the
first week of January will find nine other teachers beginning their own
volunteer orientation journey, as they prepare to enter a new world of volunteerism.
Volunteer Heroes, I call them. There is
no mandate to give of their precious, non-paid hours. And yet they want to. Many have young families and very busy
lives. I am humbled by their
willingness. Their lives will no doubt
be changed, as mine has been.
Intersecting in
the life of a child, either gravely ill or homeless, is a high honor. Their young universe is fraught with
uncertainty, disease, fear. But when I
begin a story, and I see the light come on behind feverish eyes, I know I have
done something worthy. A smile, a
giggle, a look of surprised joy from an anxious mother, and the sun comes out
and birds start singing.
I do not know
where this journey will lead. God does.
And so I thank
Him, maker of all children, and big-hearted teachers, and gifted children’s
book authors. He will lead and I will
follow. I am so utterly grateful for an
opportunity to touch lives, to find purpose even while the flap of my
children’s wings disappears into their futures.
My life is full and beautiful and filled with purpose. Blessed am I.
Please visit Project
Armchair’s blog site and learn more about it:
