Grammys Corgi Country

When thinking about my special day, yesterday, with “Bear,” I thank God, that He has given me such a blessing in my grandchildren and my children. I wish the others didn’t live so far away because I don’t get to spend even the little amount of time with them that I do with my “Little Bear.” Children grow so fast! I loved being with my children, and if home schooling had been allowed when I was raising mine, I probably would have done that.

After they got old enough that the youngest had to attend school, I started to volunteer at the school he went to (schools can ALWAYS use volunteers.) I worked with the children and created a “computer lab” for them. This was over twenty years ago before that was a normal thing for a school. After three years of volunteer work and doing some subbing as an aide in the special ed. class, several of the teachers urged me to try out for a permanent Instructional Aide position in the Special Education classes. I totally loved the work and was completely blessed to be an Aide to one of the best teachers in the County.

She had been teaching, at that time for over 30 years, and loved the children and the job. She taught me so much, and allowed me to use the talents in art and my knowledge in science and with animals to help the children to learn with any hands-on activities that I could offer. I brought in some of my tack and taught them a little about saddles, bridles and other tack that is used on horses, and then we brought one of our horses and our pony to show the children, as well as allowing them to ride them. Now, they probably wouldn’t allow that anymore because of insurance problems.

I drew some of their favorite cartoon and/or movie characters reading, for reading charts, or cutting up pizzas for math fractions. We used computers in our room to stimulate the interest of several of the autistic children and get them involved. We used “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” videos to do dance/exercises that got the children’s attention and let them have fun with music and movement, while getting their exercise. This was one of the most amazing teachers I have ever seen or had the privilege of working with, and I will forever be thankful for her mentorship in my life. This wonderful lady and I still keep in touch and are good friends now.

If you have had a special mentor or teacher in your life, let them know if at all possible. They will appreciate the acknowledgement of their work in your life.