Book Fair & Giving Life Purpose

Both of my children wanted money for the book fair at school today. I told them that they had only $12.00 to spend this time. My daughter chose a Question of the Day Diary, which I think that she will enjoy. My son has always liked non-fiction and chose "The President Has Been Shot!": The Assassination of John F. Kennedy by James L. Swanson. Just reading the title from his wish list, I thought that the book would be about Abraham Lincoln so I was pleasantly surprised that it was not.

I picked up the book and started reading The Beginnings and then flipped to the back of the book and read the Epilogue. The words that spoke to me today are, "He believed," Jacqueline Kennedy said, "that one man can make a difference-- and that every man should try." (p. 210) I believe that I try everyday, some I will reach and make a difference; others may be for someone else to reach on another day. I know that I won't reach them all, but to brighten the future of some is worth it.

The Gift of Saying Goodbye

When my mother in law died, someone told me that it is a gift to have the privilege of saying goodbye to a loved one in person before they die.  Most people do not have this chance.  Over the years I have reflected on this statement and have found that this wise person is right.  Since we do not always know when we are going to die, it is impossible to know if when we say goodbye today, it may be the last time we see that person.  As you go through life, remember that we cannot predict the future and the only thing that we can control is the present.  If given the chance, go and say goodbye; it will be something you will never regret.

The Gift of a Great Teacher

Most of our teachers, the good ones and the bad ones, we remember for life for the way that they make us feel.  I hope that, to most of my students, I am the good one worth remembering.

Today, my son's Archery teacher told us at the end of open archery that she would not be back next year.  She has taken a job in western Ohio.  Although we have only known her for a short time, she has had a great impact on our lives.  Riley started Archery in September.  He was so excited, but did not want to shoot right handed.  I allowed him to shoot left handed in order for him to be comfortable in the class and not have a meltdown on the first day.  He made it through the beginning class and onto intermediate we went.  The teacher suggested that my son switch and shoot right handed because he is right eye dominant.  I insisted that he switch, and although he resisted at first, practice paid off, and he could finally see that he was a better right hand shot.

After the intermediate class, the last three weeks have been open archery.  My son has gone to every session and stayed the whole two and a half hours.  That is five hours at the archery barn a week.  He has spent a great deal of time with his archery teacher, and she has taught/tutored him a great deal.  It has worked to his advantage in that he has mostly been the only one there or one of a handful of kids.  He really didn't have to take turns and could shoot every round.  The practice has paid off, and the last two days, my son has been shooting balloons from 10 yards.  With five shots, most of the time he can hit all four balloons on the target!

Thank you Miss Ronda for helping my son to realize that he has a talent, can be athletic, and giving him confidence in himself and his skills.  Although we will continue to come to the archery barn and take classes and lessons from others, things will not be the same without you.  You will be missed immensely!