"How beautiful a day can be, when kindness touches it." George Elliston

                                                                        Quote Fancy 

I was shopping in a Dollar Tree store on Pearl Harbor Day, and I saw an older man at the checkout counter next to me.  He was wearing a face mask that read "Vietnam Veteran."  I spoke to him and said, "Excuse me, sir.  I want to thank you for your service."  He looked at me with such gratitude in his eyes, and he said, "Thank you for your kind words.  You just made my day."  I answered with, "My father was a World War II veteran, and I understand and appreciate your service."  He nodded.

This exchange was such a small interaction, but such a powerful one. He said I "made his day" by saying a "thank you" to him.  I remember - when our veterans returned from Vietnam, they were not appreciated.  Are you of a certain age, and you also remember?  They were actually disdained because of their involvement in a war in which they did not want to participate. It is time that all veterans are appreciated, because freedom is NOT free.

Such a small act of kindness produced such a heartfelt response.  Imagine how much better all of our lives would be if everyone practiced kindness.

Be safe.  Be kind. Make someone's day.  :)  

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

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom or we will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM.www.Fieldtripzoom.com  and a company called www.StreamableLearning.com GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 and 2018 (new edition) from The Authors' Zone.Grady also won a 2018 prestigious Moonbeam Award for Best Children's Book with Merchandise.

Visit Dede's web page 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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