Every Mile a Memory
I drove in a rush from my office miles away to read to fifth graders yesterday as part of American Education Week. I had promised some weeks ago to do this and, even though my day was packed and I thought one time of postponing my visit, I decided traveling to that school was really more important than anything else on my schedule.
As I headed down the road I heard the country song, Every Mile a Memory on my radio. Those words quickly reminded me that I put many a mile on my car since I started working in that school district to see students and teachers in action. Each time I came away with something etched in my memory from the experience.
I wondered what that memory would be this time as I pulled up to the school and walked in.
All the students were attentive and very respectful as I read the stories. I was reading to them from my new book – Sardines, Cheese and Soda Crackers: Reflections From a Country Girl.
It was interesting that each class reacted a little differently to me as I read the stories. They were not only excited to be listening to someone different read a story, but the fact that I wrote the book and the stories were true was amazing to most of them.
We had a question and answer session after I explained why I wrote the book and read some of the short stories.
One of them asked me “Are you FAMOUS?” Several of the students said “Sure she is.” while others looked at me for the answer.
“I’ve never thought about being famous.” I replied. “I’m just like what you students are becoming by working hard in school. I’m just a person trying to do the best she can to make a difference in the world today.”
I read a few more stories after that. One of the teachers asked if I had a book she could purchase and I offered to sign it for her.
“Can we have a book, too?” The students asked.
Of course I was not able to give them a book, but told them their parents could help them do that if they wanted to talk with them when they got home.
One of the students asked if she could have my autograph.
“Sure.” I said with a smile. That led to everyone else to ask for my signature as well.
All the students waited patiently for me to sign their papers. Some had three or four pieces of paper clutched in their hand…but all had at least one paper for me to sign.
There was one particular young lady that took my breath away with her request.
She said “Would you put the name of my stepsister on this paper and write her a note?” I want to put it in her casket tonight…she was the one that died.
My thoughts immediately went to the death of a local high school student who was in a tragic car accident earlier. She had been in the hospital for days, clinging to life, and lost that battle a few days ago.
The stepsister’s sincere smile was evidence of the love and loss she was experiencing. I suspect that one of the stories I read to the class touched her and she was comfortable asking me to write her step sister a note that would help in the healing process.
What would you write to someone who is dead if that request came to you? What would you say on that note?
While each of us might say something just a bit different, I quickly chose to write the girl’s name, add the words that were just right from me, and signed my name with a smile as I handed the note back to her.
As sincere as that young lady was in the class, I am quite sure the note is in that casket tonight.
If you ever wonder if you can make a difference in the lives of anyone, go read once to a class of children and see what happens.
My wish for you today is that you discover the joy of reading to students. It takes little time to do that and the rewards are priceless. You will not only have a chance to touch their lives positively but the experience will be etched on your memory forever. It will be worth the time and miles you take to get there, I promise.
~ Joellen