Wonderful! Along with a lesson on “Success” (I almost said “teaching” but that could be a label difficult to own) you incorporated elements of judgment, first impressions, open-heartedness, and loving kindness into this post.
Years ago I volunteered on behalf of residents of a nearby State hospital that served as a warehouse for unwanted children. Ones born with a wide range of physical and mental defects. I’d accompany small groups in 15-passenger vans to movies, to assist as needed. This gave me the opportunity to learn not to judge a book by its cover.
The hospitals have long since closed, but when in operation were called “Sunland” hospitals. To me a touch of cruel irony. Yet, without Sunland, I believe many would have suffered neglect and deprivation of basic living assistance.
While Sunland was an institution, not a person, might they have been considered a “success”?
I wrote a series about my connection with Donna in my early days on Medium. I tried to find links this morning, but think I might have deleted them. 🤷♀️ The great news is that I saved them in another place!
My writing has improved a little so they might benefit from some spiffing up. 😂
The short version is that I was assigned Donna as a tutor student through the Waukesha Literacy Council. We started meeting weekly at the library. Within a short period of time we ditched the books and rules we were given and started reading books from the shelves. We took turns… she’d read a page, I’d read a page. It was great fun. Our meetings expanded to walks, lunches, and gardening dates.
I’m considering creative options for carrying the story forward. I think Donna is game to join me.
Wonderful! Along with a lesson on “Success” (I almost said “teaching” but that could be a label difficult to own) you incorporated elements of judgment, first impressions, open-heartedness, and loving kindness into this post.
Years ago I volunteered on behalf of residents of a nearby State hospital that served as a warehouse for unwanted children. Ones born with a wide range of physical and mental defects. I’d accompany small groups in 15-passenger vans to movies, to assist as needed. This gave me the opportunity to learn not to judge a book by its cover.
The hospitals have long since closed, but when in operation were called “Sunland” hospitals. To me a touch of cruel irony. Yet, without Sunland, I believe many would have suffered neglect and deprivation of basic living assistance.
While Sunland was an institution, not a person, might they have been considered a “success”?
I like the idea of lessons and have come to learn teachers come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and circumstance.
Donna was one of my earliest recognitions of an I/Thou connection, although I didn’t have Buber’s vocabulary at that time.
Thank you for often building onto my stories by sharing your experiences and perspectives. Another version of I/Thou. 😊
Now you’ve made me want to learn more about Donna!
I wrote a series about my connection with Donna in my early days on Medium. I tried to find links this morning, but think I might have deleted them. 🤷♀️ The great news is that I saved them in another place!
My writing has improved a little so they might benefit from some spiffing up. 😂
The short version is that I was assigned Donna as a tutor student through the Waukesha Literacy Council. We started meeting weekly at the library. Within a short period of time we ditched the books and rules we were given and started reading books from the shelves. We took turns… she’d read a page, I’d read a page. It was great fun. Our meetings expanded to walks, lunches, and gardening dates.
I’m considering creative options for carrying the story forward. I think Donna is game to join me.
I agree, Jack!
I’m not sure if substack sends you a notification… I wrote a reply to Jack. 😊 See above.
I don't know if I got this... it sounds like one of your great connection stories. I look forward to hearing more!