From My Front Porch

Life's stories connect lives

Archives for April 2017

A Freshly Made Mind

I’m one of those crazy ladies who make their beds each morning. Don’t worry, this isn’t one of those guilt pieces persuading you to make your bed neatly every day.

I just wake up in a cloud of confusion and seem to stay there long into my day if I don’t follow a specific routine. I pad down the stairs and grasp at one of my faithful coffee cups–most, gifts from my treasure of former students who understand my love of coffee. Through blurry eyes, I mechanically brew a cup of the amazing elixir. I know the coffee will be ready for me after plodding to the restroom and back. Finally, leaning back in my glider rocker with feet up and eyes barely open, I pour life into my soul. [Read more…]

Little Rays of Sunshine

 

I have three little rays of sunshine, but one I get to enjoy more frequently than the other two. Today, the littles are on their way to see Grandma.

When that white Envoy pulls up to the house, I nearly see it vibrating with excitement as two-year-old Zadok realizes where he is. In his excitement, he’s literally gasping as he escapes his parents’ captivity and races to the stairs, all the way exclaiming our names. His excitement spreads to one-year-old Lana, and she wiggles in her car seat, anxious to explore using her newfound skill as a walker. Those giggles and snuggles delight me, especially on an overcast, drippy day in Michigan.

Later today, three-year-old Zeke will arrive home with Papa, and we purposely withheld the news of his cousins’ arrival. I’m looking forward to the sound of little boys bouncing down the stairs on their bottoms as if at an amusement park. They delight me and brighten my day.

So here’s to all the little boys and girls who stole their grandparents’ hearts… Thank you for being our little rays of sunshine.

“Little Ray of Sunshine” by David Harris

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The Ultimate Letter of Recommendation

I’m often asked to provide reference letters for my students. I take this task very seriously.

I’m very specific in my descriptions of students because I have access to analytical tools and keep extensive records. I can go back several years and pull up records to show not only the students’ academic ability but also their work ethic. Students with several notes from teachers about late assignments–still in the records by the way–may not receive the highly anticipated glowing reference they desire. They maintained a decent grade on raw intellect, but the record shows all was not well. [Read more…]

Nana, Grandma, Granny, GRA

The woman, the legend, GRA GRA!

My mother came to live with us while Todd served overseas in Desert Storm and then Provide Comfort following the official end of the war effort. What a joy to have her there helping me through some very difficult days when I delivered our first knowing Todd would not be home for several months after her birth. [Read more…]