Time (Roxy)

Time is a gift. Not tangible like the packages we unwrap on Christmas day, but much more valuable. We never seem to have enough of it, and we are always seeking ways to squeeze a little extra from the 24 hours we are allotted each day.

I think about the mornings when I have hit the snooze button for 10 extra minutes of much needed rest. I look back at memorable evenings when I have asked a babysitter to stay an additional hour because I wasn’t ready for my “grown-up time” to end. There have been times I wished I could stop the clock and enjoy my children a little longer at certain stages of their lives. And most recently, I reflect on the numerous occasions when I have ached for just one more day with loved ones who are no longer with me.

Time.

In the season of giving and receiving, I decided to use the blog space to thank a few people. They blessed my life one way or another with something they can never get more of. They have given me their time. More specifically, these folks have volunteered their time and talent to help in my classroom. Each one of them has a story of their own to share; but for now, I’ll tell you how their lives have touched mine.

My neighbor, Gina, is an amazing individual. For over 20 years, she was a news anchor, and a sports reporter in Chicago. She is a veteran public relations professional and a champion for the environment. Gina has traveled the nation reporting news and sports. She is one of the most intelligent people I know. She could do anything with her time, and Gina CHOOSES to volunteer in my fifth grade classroom every week. I am amazed at how patient she is with the students, and how grateful she is to spend her time with them. It’s a beautiful thing!

Mrs. Jessica Eller and Mrs. Kara Taylor are both mothers of 5th graders where I teach. I’m mentioning them because they volunteer in my classroom multiple times each week; but wait for it... their children are NOT EVEN IN MY HOMEROOM! These two ladies recognize that it “takes a village” to raise/educate children. They are both dedicated to helping kids become better readers and writers. They quiz kids on math facts, help with holiday craft projects, and somehow manage to keep me sane. I can’t pay them with anything but a “thank you” and a smile, and they just keep showing up for more! Mrs. Eller and Mrs. Taylor are appreciated more than they will know, not just by me, but by their own children! These moms could use their extra time to run errands or have coffee with friends, but they volunteer instead. That’s extraordinary!

Mr. Stoner is another one of these special people …

God places people in our lives for a reason. I’m pretty sure he put Mr. Stoner into my world right about the time my  parents’ health began to decline so that I would have someone to look out for me. And he does! 

Mr. Stoner is a 69-year-old, retired plumber. He has been mentoring students and volunteering in my classroom for five years. This man is a God-Send! He jokes about being the dumbest 5th grader in the school because I keep holding him back every year. He says he doesn’t know the difference between “there, their, and they’re,” but he has a heart of gold; and he can quiz kids on vocabulary words or math facts as long as I give him the key!

The kindness of this man knows no limits. He repairs broken door handles and broken chairs. He runs copies, and escorts students to the office when they are ill. Mr. Stoner shows up on Tuesday and Wednesday each week wearing a visitor’s badge and a smile and completes any task I throw at him.  He listens to students read aloud each week, and keeps them on track when they might otherwise lose focus.

Mr. Stoner has also been known to keep me in line too. He reminds me to relax and not be so serious. He teases me for never using his first name. He lectures me if I forget to eat breakfast. He recognizes when I’m getting worn down, and insists that I see a doctor or take a day off work. It’s kind of like having my own guardian angel looking out for me. I can only hope I have as much energy as he does when I’m almost 70!

More than once, Mr. Stoner has said, “I’m retired...why wouldn’t I come in to help in a school? I tell all my retired friends to do the same. I love these kids! I love helping you! The only thing I don’t like is that school is not in session year round because I miss volunteering.” That’s the energy I’m talking about. He thanks me for letting him come into the classroom. It’s my turn to thank him for being a good friend to me and a positive male role model for my students. Thanks, Tom.

In the season of resolution making, I reviewed my New Year’s resolutions over the past few years. Last year I wrote about the word “resolve” and I made a promise to spend more time with the people I love the most. It hasn’t been a perfect year, but I am making lots of improvements in this area; working less and spending more time with my family. I couldn’t have done this without the help of these volunteers who have taken some work off of my plate. Helping out a few hours each week might not seem like a big deal to them, but the ripple effect they have had on my life is of great value to me. Thank you to these amazing volunteers, and thank you to all of my friends and family who continue to share their time with me.