"Consideration for others is the basic of a good life, a good society." Confucius

I have had a tough few weeks with an emergency appendectomy and some other not-so-good things that have been happening.  Things are certainly not terrible, but life is not exactly not smooth sailing, either.  You understand what I mean, I am sure.

I am a person who accumulates lots of "stuff" - I am not sure how- but it is fun to have it all, as I really enjoy sharing and re-purposing my stuff.  I give to many different organizations, as well as to my church, and groups that serve specific populations of needy folks. All of this brings me to two matching suitcases which my late husband and I purchased - not normal suitcases, but rather GINORMOUS matching red suitcases.Scott passed away 4 years ago, and I have kept holding on to these suitcases, using one, only once.  The size alone made the suitcase unwieldy for me to use, and the memories attached to those suitcases made me sad, so I decided to donate them to our local Goodwill, with the hope that they would find a good home and be enjoyed by someone who needed a really good suitcase. I carefully went through the suitcases, discovering some of Scott's things in his; - some restaurant matches, nail clippers, a tiny bottle of Polo, a few momentos from past trips to NYC. I thought I had removed all vestiges of both of us, but I somehow missed an identification name tag.  I know this for only one reason.

While I was in the hospital with appendicitis, Someone who sounded like a very nice and polite young man left a voice message on my home phone.  He said, "Mrs. Rittman, this is sort of a crazy call.  You don't know me, but I bought your suitcase at the Goodwill.  I want to thank you for donating it so that I could buy it.  It is a really great suitcase, and I thank you so much. It's the best suitcase I have ever had.  Well, that's all. Thanks a lot." 

I could not believe it! First, I thought about how dumb I was to leave my ID in the suitcase, but then I thought about how my mistake allowed a thoughtful young man to make a phone call of appreciation.  My heart felt so happy.  I am so thankful that my sharing was able to provide for someone else who was needy, and that the receiver of the goods actually called in appreciation.  It our fast-paced world, where everyone yells 'ME, ME, ME", what a wonderful gift from a phone call this young man gave me.

So often, a small kindness can make such a big difference for someone.  In my view, the words THANK YOU could be spoken so much more.  I make an effort to say these words often, and I hope you do, too. A world with manners and consideration is so pleasant, don't you think?  

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available  www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics. 

I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books.  Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self.  However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired! 

Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom.  Check them out!  http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/ 

Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book.  I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading.  Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com  The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!

Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl 

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