My first teaching job was in Georgia.   I was without a car until my present husband, brought my car from Ohio to me.    The only money he had, he carried in a gallon penny jar.  He has taught me as much about character and sacrifice as anyone could. I have been truly blessed by all in my life.

          ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Then, I had the class from yell, but I loved them just the same.  
I had just gotten my car a day earlier      


           Kenneth’s Lesson

I waited and waited months, you see
For my car and faithful key, but yet
Upon its arrival, a six-year old stole from me.

Beside myself I cringed and cried
That evil, even in a child resides
But I still loved my Kenneth.

About the keys, a lesson learned
From wise Ohio Mother-Bird.
She told me the loss of car
    To share with children not a word.

So (in silence) I hitched a ride to school again
There sat Kenneth with a grin
Front tooth missing; he tapped his chin.

“Teacher, you missin’ something?”  

“Hm.  Now what would I be missing?”

“Maybe these?” and from a file
He pulled out my keys.

The little stinker, the little dear
Brings back memories from that Georgia year!

“Teach them to learn to read and write
Show them how to spell, but
More importantly,” Mama Bird said to me,
“Teach them what they need in life.

Teach them about character…”

I told her, they already had character!
Those little scamps!!!
Then profound advice she gave for free.  

       “Character is when you do the right thing
       When no one is looking.  
        Tell them, tell them you found the key
         To love, trust, and respectability.”

    Well, I can’t say I taught it right
    But I’m an optimist that something,
     Someday
     Will  come to light.

    And with the darkness I close this night
     With thoughts of another, in prayer I hold so tight.
      My heart stolen, eyes swollen.
      Another lesson learned.
      

      

[This message has been edited by miscellanea (02-08-2006 02:18 AM).]

[This message has been edited by miscellanea (02-08-2006 07:13 AM).]