I Love to Tell the Story
Yesterday I went to visit my second grade pen pal group. I go every two weeks or so to visit with them, read from my book and listen to their stories. We love to tell stories to each other.
Last visit, among other things, we talked about war. It was obvious it was close to their hearts for various reasons. I decided right then that I would bring some things about WWII when I came next time.
As I was gathering things to do with the war, I thought of my mother. She mother lived in Wales as a teenager during WWII.
I convinced Mom to come with me and bring some of her WWII treasure along with her. I was excited and I knew the children would be as well.
Between the two of us we had quite a collection of things to share.
I had Mom wait outside the classroom door while the children got settled. I read from my book the story of my mother and father meeting, dating, marrying, and having me.
Then, I told them I had a treat for them but that it was so big I could not bring it in the door with all the other things the first time. I excused myself and went out to get Mom.
Rolling her in with her wheelchair, the students were quiet as they wondered who the guest was.
“Do any of you know who this is?â€
“This is Ruth, in the story I just read. She is my mother.â€
“Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooh.†The boys and girls said.
“Remember that card I showed you with the writing on it? It said 1943 didn’t it. That was 63 years ago. So you know Ruth is at least 63 years old.â€
Ruth told the class she was 84 now. We shared pictures of her when she was younger.
She showed them some Christmas cards my father had sent her. She shared theatre and train tickets from their trip to London after they were married. There were many pictures with love notes on the back and some letters we shared from various people in their lives then. She talked about what it was like to live in an area where they had bomb shelters and had to keep things dark at night so the planes would not drop bombs on them.
The children were inquisitive and asked some great questions. Several asked if she were sacred when her husband went to fight in the war and what it was like to live in a place that could be bombed regularly.
It was a wonderful experience for my mother to share her memories with the boys and girls. Both of them will remember this for a very long time.
My wish for you today is that you share your time with children when you can and listen to their dreams, their fears, and their joys. Having them in your life, no matter whether it is for a brief moment or a lifetime, will enrich both of you.
~ Joellen