Stories: Homeword

It Takes Us All!

Jenny will be a senior next year. She has just found out that she has achieved one of her high school goals – she was named a Junior Marshall. She has also been selected as a participant this summer at Governor’s School.

Her mom and I are very proud.

But a child’s journey to adulthood is not only paved by the love and care of his or her parents. There are others who sit in the wings and stand along the way encouraging and cheering a child into the future.

Diane is one of those special people to Jenny.

Diane remembers meeting Jenny for the first time when she began sixth grade. Diane works in the middle school’s office.

“She and her friends always had so much to giggle about,” Diane recalls. “Seeing her on a daily basis was always such a treat and blessing!”

Jenny knew there was always an affirming word and a warm welcome when she would visit “Ms. Diane’s” office. The fact that Diane always remembered her name and had a kind word helped make middle school a positive experience.

The duo caught up with each other recently when Jenny attended her younger sister’s open house at the same middle school she had attended. Diane reached out and embraced Jenny with a heart-felt hug.

“Look at you,” Jenny’s adult friend exclaims. “You are a gorgeous young lady!”

They talked briefly and Diane listened intently as Jenny recounted the high points of her life since they had last visited.

Diane ended the meeting encouraging Jenny to keep her posted.

After the local newspaper ran an article about the area children who had been selected to attend Governor’s School, a brightly colored envelope with Jenny’s name arrived at our house. It was a card from Ms. Diane.

“Congratulations!” the inscription began. “I’m so proud of you!”

Jenny’s eyes light up as she reads every word.

“Please know that I think you are one extremely special person and I simply love you to pieces!” the handwritten message declared.

Parents are supposed to tell their child that they are “special.” Jenny and my other three children have heard words like this since they were babies.

Every day I tell my children I love them.

It does not bother me that they have come to expect it. “Yes Dad, we love you, too,” they reply.

It is less expected when your child is singled out by another kind adult. Kathy and I have told Jenny for years that she is “gorgeous.” But when Diane echoed these words, they reverberated in Jenny. She stood taller and paused momentarily by the mirror. Diane’s words sank deep, rooting in Jenny’s heart.

It takes more than a loving mom and dad to raise a child. It takes us all. We all must join hands to usher them into adulthood.

Each one of us have a responsibility to help frame them into the type of people who understand right and wrong, who will pass on to another child one day a sense of worth, who will keep an eye open for a little one that others may over look. The society that we all cherish and dream about can be realized through the kindness we share with a child. It is just that simple. It is just that vital.

Jenny closes the card. She goes to her room and begins her homework. Diane’s last written words linger in her mind as she works on her physics. The smile she wears has nothing to do with her assignment.

“Keep that smile on your face; God bless you! Your friend, Ms. Diane.”

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