Every now and then we come across a story that speaks to our heart. The type of story you tuck away to be retrieved again and again. The following story has been one of those to me. I heard that the author is Elizabeth Silance Ballard but have not verified that. I'm also posting this without the appropriate copyright recognitions. That said, I share this story here in the hope that it touches you as it has me.
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One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other
students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between
each name.
Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could
say about each of their classmates and write it down.
It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment
and, as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers.
That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a
separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual.
On Monday, she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the
entire class was smiling. "Really?" she heard whispered.
"I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!" and, "I didn't know others liked me so much." were some of the comments.
No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents,
but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another.
That group of students moved on. Several years later, one of the students was killed in Vietnam and his teacher attended the
funeral of that special student.
She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before.
He looked so handsome, so mature.
The church was packed with his friends. One by one, those who loved
him took a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin. As she stood there, one of the soldiers, who acted as pall bearer, came up to her.
"Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked.
She nodded: "Yes."
Then he said: "Mark talked about you a lot."
After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a
luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting to speak with his teacher.
"We want to show you something," his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket. "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it."
Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notepaper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times.
The teacher knew, without looking, that the papers were the
ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's
classmates had said about him.
"Thank you so much for doing that," Mark's mother said. "As you can see, Mark treasured it."
All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around.
Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list. It's
in the top drawer of my desk at home."
Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album."
"I have mine too," Marilyn said. "It's in my diary."
Then Vickie, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group.
" I carry this with me at all times," Vickie said, and without batting an eyelash, she continued: "I think we all saved our lists."
That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
A Year Has Come and Gone...
Wow! I can't believe it's been a year since I've written. I don't know why, but somehow this blog was pushed and shoved to the background of this crazy adventure I know as 'My Life.'
Kenneth visited here this morning and I realized how much I missed having posts on here. Miss being able to look back and be reminded of things that may not stay in memory but are so nice to revisit.
The biggest news of the last year was the arrival of our newest granddaughter, Alexis Collins Richards, born March 19, 2010. She is such a beautiful, happy, and precious baby girl!
We've all aged a year...hopefully with a little more wisdom and knowledge than in the years before.
We've had memorable adventures in Florida,both with my father and Ken's mother. That's where, among other things, Kenneth went parasailing for the first time (and loved it!). We got to experience the beauty and majesty of the Statue of Liberty, and visited Washington DC again last October. Kenneth and I celebrated another anniversary (and while I didn't think it was possible, I'm even more head-over-heels in love with my husband now than I was the day we married). Darrell is in his last semester of his senior year at University of South Carolina Upstate. Christopher seems to be growing in feet rather than inches, and Abbey is a go-getter in anything she decides to tackle (especially arts/crafts, and cooking). We got to spend some time with Matthew (but not enough...never enough), Shannon and Josh are doing well, as are Elisa and Rob. We still have Trudy (Stupid dog) and Izzie. Cats have come and gone and there's mostly just one around these days. We've had joys, and sorrows, and we've been blessed to come through it all stronger than ever.
As for hobbies, I did leave the loom knitting behind and decided to try my hand (pun intended) with traditional knitting. It's been a rocky road but I've been enjoying it tremendously. I don't get too many projects done because I'm always in learning mode. Once I get one concept I rush to the next. It's kind of funny/sad that I'm working on a scarf for Abbey (I don't know if it's still or again!). Darrell is taking guitar lessons and really enjoying it. He really wants to get good and it shows. He sure didn't practice like this when he was playing trumpet in his high school marching band! Abbey is enjoying art and sewing classes, and Christopher is advancing admirably in Scouts. We didn't get a chance to go family camping this year - it would have been nice, but there will be times that work out for us, I'm sure.
I plan to keep writing here. I really have missed it. It feels really good to post here again.
God's continued blessings...
Kenneth visited here this morning and I realized how much I missed having posts on here. Miss being able to look back and be reminded of things that may not stay in memory but are so nice to revisit.
The biggest news of the last year was the arrival of our newest granddaughter, Alexis Collins Richards, born March 19, 2010. She is such a beautiful, happy, and precious baby girl!
We've all aged a year...hopefully with a little more wisdom and knowledge than in the years before.
We've had memorable adventures in Florida,both with my father and Ken's mother. That's where, among other things, Kenneth went parasailing for the first time (and loved it!). We got to experience the beauty and majesty of the Statue of Liberty, and visited Washington DC again last October. Kenneth and I celebrated another anniversary (and while I didn't think it was possible, I'm even more head-over-heels in love with my husband now than I was the day we married). Darrell is in his last semester of his senior year at University of South Carolina Upstate. Christopher seems to be growing in feet rather than inches, and Abbey is a go-getter in anything she decides to tackle (especially arts/crafts, and cooking). We got to spend some time with Matthew (but not enough...never enough), Shannon and Josh are doing well, as are Elisa and Rob. We still have Trudy (Stupid dog) and Izzie. Cats have come and gone and there's mostly just one around these days. We've had joys, and sorrows, and we've been blessed to come through it all stronger than ever.
As for hobbies, I did leave the loom knitting behind and decided to try my hand (pun intended) with traditional knitting. It's been a rocky road but I've been enjoying it tremendously. I don't get too many projects done because I'm always in learning mode. Once I get one concept I rush to the next. It's kind of funny/sad that I'm working on a scarf for Abbey (I don't know if it's still or again!). Darrell is taking guitar lessons and really enjoying it. He really wants to get good and it shows. He sure didn't practice like this when he was playing trumpet in his high school marching band! Abbey is enjoying art and sewing classes, and Christopher is advancing admirably in Scouts. We didn't get a chance to go family camping this year - it would have been nice, but there will be times that work out for us, I'm sure.
I plan to keep writing here. I really have missed it. It feels really good to post here again.
God's continued blessings...
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Loom Knitting Hobby Update...
I've been having a great time with my loom knitting. Friday evening I finished
up a scarf for my youngest daughter. I had started it a few weeks ago...ran
short of yarn...got the yarn....put the project in one of my knitting bags...and
promptly forgot it. I'm glad to say her hat now has its matching scarf. This was
a pretty combination of a light pink strand and a strand of ivory with teeny
bits of gold through it.
It's not very exciting but I just finished a simple (warm) black scarf with
fringe last night. It's occurred to me several times that my wardrobe really
needed a simple black scarf. How funny is that? Well, now I have one.
I also made a newborn hat last Sunday while we drove to a nearby town for a job
my husband had to do. Our middle daughter is expecting next month. I'm worried
that it's too small, though. We'll see once Alexis gets here. I'm also working
with my 9-yr old daughter, Abbey, on her knitting adventure...she has a scarf in
progress as well as a hat for her newest niece. She'll probably make a dozen
before the baby even gets here on 3/19.
Abbey also just went to a party for two of her best friends (birthday for twins)
and gave them looms, yarn, instructions and a list of websites. Great idea to
share this love of loom-knitting!
Also on a loom at the moment is a tube scarf using two yarns. One is a
combination of navy blue, maroon, brown, and tan. The second yarn is an ivory. I
love how they look together. I should pick that one up again this evening - I
took a break to knit the black scarf. Since it's a tube pattern it uses twice as
much yarn and takes twice as long. I think I'll love it, though.
Dishcloths and a baby afghan are in the plans, as well as joining the pieces of
the cart cover. I really need to finish that up and get that box checked off.
Hope everyone is staying warm, happy, and loom knitting away!
up a scarf for my youngest daughter. I had started it a few weeks ago...ran
short of yarn...got the yarn....put the project in one of my knitting bags...and
promptly forgot it. I'm glad to say her hat now has its matching scarf. This was
a pretty combination of a light pink strand and a strand of ivory with teeny
bits of gold through it.
It's not very exciting but I just finished a simple (warm) black scarf with
fringe last night. It's occurred to me several times that my wardrobe really
needed a simple black scarf. How funny is that? Well, now I have one.
I also made a newborn hat last Sunday while we drove to a nearby town for a job
my husband had to do. Our middle daughter is expecting next month. I'm worried
that it's too small, though. We'll see once Alexis gets here. I'm also working
with my 9-yr old daughter, Abbey, on her knitting adventure...she has a scarf in
progress as well as a hat for her newest niece. She'll probably make a dozen
before the baby even gets here on 3/19.
Abbey also just went to a party for two of her best friends (birthday for twins)
and gave them looms, yarn, instructions and a list of websites. Great idea to
share this love of loom-knitting!
Also on a loom at the moment is a tube scarf using two yarns. One is a
combination of navy blue, maroon, brown, and tan. The second yarn is an ivory. I
love how they look together. I should pick that one up again this evening - I
took a break to knit the black scarf. Since it's a tube pattern it uses twice as
much yarn and takes twice as long. I think I'll love it, though.
Dishcloths and a baby afghan are in the plans, as well as joining the pieces of
the cart cover. I really need to finish that up and get that box checked off.
Hope everyone is staying warm, happy, and loom knitting away!
Good Days...
We're having fun in February. Our weather has been a bit unusual these days but such a nice change from the norm. We dont' see much snow in these parts, and while we haven't had much, we have had some, and that's a good thing as far as I'm concerned.
We have February birthdays...
Our sister-in-law, Vivienne, celebrated her birthday on the 9th. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, VIVIENNE!
Four days later we celebrated my mother-in-law's birthday with a nice dinner at a new restaurant in the area. We had most of the family together and I always love that. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRANDMOMMY! WE LOVE YOU!
Valentine's Day was fun. Kenneth and I don't get into the whole Valentine thing too much - don't really like the idea of Hallmark/FTD/Vermont Bear Co. telling us we need to show our love to each other. We like doing that in our own ways all through the year. But...with that said, we do have a Hershey Kiss we trade each year and my husband always manages to do something sweet for me on that day.
I am so happy to be involved in two 'Life Group' Bible studies which began this week. One is for women it's the 'Fingerprints of God' study by Jennifer Rothschild. The second is one my husband and I are in together and it's by Gary Smalley and John Trent called 'The Blessing.'
Our church uses the phrase 'intentional relationships' in regard to our Life Groups. That has really stuck with me...We don't always have the easiest time in social situations and find we shy away from them. As a large family, we stay very busy and involved in family activities/events - it's easy to have that be our focus. We have to intentionally step out (comfort zones?) by participating in these groups. Discomfort aside, it really is a win/win situation as these groups enrich our spiritual walk as well as open our lives up to these 'intentional relationships.' We've certainly been blessed in the past by the folks we've shared life with in our church and life groups. I have no doubt the same will be true this time around.
We have another 10-days left in February. It's often a very cold time of year. I hope you stay warm...literally and figuratively.
We have February birthdays...
Our sister-in-law, Vivienne, celebrated her birthday on the 9th. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, VIVIENNE!
Four days later we celebrated my mother-in-law's birthday with a nice dinner at a new restaurant in the area. We had most of the family together and I always love that. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRANDMOMMY! WE LOVE YOU!
Valentine's Day was fun. Kenneth and I don't get into the whole Valentine thing too much - don't really like the idea of Hallmark/FTD/Vermont Bear Co. telling us we need to show our love to each other. We like doing that in our own ways all through the year. But...with that said, we do have a Hershey Kiss we trade each year and my husband always manages to do something sweet for me on that day.
I am so happy to be involved in two 'Life Group' Bible studies which began this week. One is for women it's the 'Fingerprints of God' study by Jennifer Rothschild. The second is one my husband and I are in together and it's by Gary Smalley and John Trent called 'The Blessing.'
Our church uses the phrase 'intentional relationships' in regard to our Life Groups. That has really stuck with me...We don't always have the easiest time in social situations and find we shy away from them. As a large family, we stay very busy and involved in family activities/events - it's easy to have that be our focus. We have to intentionally step out (comfort zones?) by participating in these groups. Discomfort aside, it really is a win/win situation as these groups enrich our spiritual walk as well as open our lives up to these 'intentional relationships.' We've certainly been blessed in the past by the folks we've shared life with in our church and life groups. I have no doubt the same will be true this time around.
We have another 10-days left in February. It's often a very cold time of year. I hope you stay warm...literally and figuratively.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Weekend Wrap-Up
Sunday afternoon...Super Bowl Sunday afternoon...the clock is ticking...before long...KICK-OFF!
Sure hoping the Saints can win today. The latest polls show that most folks are rooting for the Saints but predict a win for the Colts. We'll know in a few hours from now.
I had the pleasure of attending a 'Luau' yesterday with my youngest daughter. Two of her girlfriends celebrated their birthdays with a Hawaiian/Luau theme. How perfect for a dreary, winter day! There was hula-dancing, limbo, music and laughter. Authentic food and (best of all!) pineapple upside-down cake! Remember...I'm the cake lover. Cake is good! Pineapple upside-down cake is better! Aloha!
I've really been enjoying my loom-knitting. Waiting for the arrival of two looms; a sock loom and a 'single rake' loom (particularly good for dishcloths I've heard). I've made a throw, scarves and hats. Also just finished the knitting portion of a shopping cart/high chair cover. I'm fascinated with the idea of making socks and dishcloths. My family doesn't understand that one but apparently I'm not alone. There are tons of knitting books out dealing with socks and dishcloths. The only down-side to loom knitting is that there are a lot of different types of looms one can acquire, and, of course...I want them all!
Oh well...ready to settle down in front of the tv for some football and grading school papers. Hope your team wins!
Sure hoping the Saints can win today. The latest polls show that most folks are rooting for the Saints but predict a win for the Colts. We'll know in a few hours from now.
I had the pleasure of attending a 'Luau' yesterday with my youngest daughter. Two of her girlfriends celebrated their birthdays with a Hawaiian/Luau theme. How perfect for a dreary, winter day! There was hula-dancing, limbo, music and laughter. Authentic food and (best of all!) pineapple upside-down cake! Remember...I'm the cake lover. Cake is good! Pineapple upside-down cake is better! Aloha!
I've really been enjoying my loom-knitting. Waiting for the arrival of two looms; a sock loom and a 'single rake' loom (particularly good for dishcloths I've heard). I've made a throw, scarves and hats. Also just finished the knitting portion of a shopping cart/high chair cover. I'm fascinated with the idea of making socks and dishcloths. My family doesn't understand that one but apparently I'm not alone. There are tons of knitting books out dealing with socks and dishcloths. The only down-side to loom knitting is that there are a lot of different types of looms one can acquire, and, of course...I want them all!
Oh well...ready to settle down in front of the tv for some football and grading school papers. Hope your team wins!
Monday, January 25, 2010
My Baby's Birthday...
Our baby girl is celebrating her 9th birthday today. My husband took the day off from work and the kids and I have a holiday from school.
Today Abbey chose Krispy Kreme for breakfast; that was our surprise. She wouldn't tell us where she wanted to go until it was time for us to go there. Krispy Kreme is good!
After that we took off to the mall and our nearest 'Build-a-Bear Workshop.' Chloe is the newest addition to Abbey's family of bears.
Our birthday girl decided on Jason's Deli for lunch. Apparently a family favorite for many years. I know this because it's where we had Abbey's first birthday party! Spaghetti at home will round out the day. We had our family birthday dinner with everyone at Cici's Pizza last night. The whole 'friends' thing will be this weekend coming up.
With 5 kids, it seemed no matter how old our older kids got we always had 'our baby.' Well, I just don't know where the time has gone. Our 'baby' is, by modern terms, now a 'tween.' All I know is there are more and more departments at Toys 'R Us that contain items that are 'too young' for her. We're on a see-saw with Barbie Dolls at one end and CD's by artists such as Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Emily Osmet, and Demi Lavato at the other.
We're looking forward to a giggly all-girl sleepover this weekend. We know these years go by way too fast so we just have to hold on and enjoy the ride while it lasts. We'll have time to catch our breath later.
Happy Birthday, Abigail! We love you so much!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Welcome 2010
Happy New Year!
"Time has no divisions to mark its passage, there is never a thunder-storm or blare of trumpets to announce the beginning of a new month or year. Even when a new century begins it is only we mortals who ring bells and fire off pistols."
--Thomas Mann
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