Things went great with our Adopt-a-Granny program. The Grannies were basking in the attention and the students were learning not to fear older folks. The kids were also experiencing unconditional love and someone who believed in them.
When late November approached, we began planning the Christmas party for our kids. We asked them if they wanted to go on hayride and go caroling and then ice skating. Their response was open revolt!. They weren’t doing anything without their Grannies!
So now I have 70 7th graders wanting to bypass their own self centered holiday party and host a banquet at church for their Grannies!
The big day arrived, so we stayed after the morning services at church. Each Granny sat at the head of a table with her family all gathered. Every time a granny would rattle their glass of ice water, one student would jump up to get the cup, another would get more water and the other more ice. These women were not going to dehydrate on their watch!
It came time for gift giving and that’s when things got memorable.
Each Granny was handed a big package to unwrap. Each Granny received a custom made scrapbook that said ‘MY FAMILY” on the cover. Inside the first page was a group photo of her kids. Each following page was an individual page for each student, their picture and their handwritten life story. Also, each child wrote a personal note to their Granny.
I thought we were going to have to take the Grannies as a group to the optometrist. The eyestrain from trying to read 7th grade penmanship with tears flowing was almost more than they could handle. Considering the tears, it is good we kept them hydrated.
The Grannies eyes sparkled, their faces glowed and their arms clutched their gifts to their heart. They each gathered their kids around them and talked about their pictures and writing.
How often in life does one get to see hearts being knit together?
The people who win Oscars and Emmys are mere shadows in their acceptance speeches compared to the gratitude of the Grannies on that day!
We heard from biological family members of the Grannies how those scrapbooks were the best gifts the Grannies got that year.
Our students learned a little about one simple truth- you realyl live when you start to give!
Read next blog to hear a final chapter in the scrapbook story.
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