This past week, I upgraded the router, booster, and the four television boxes in my house. (Yes, I live alone, but I have four televisions!) I did not know how to do most of this, but after watching a few YouTube videos, I was confident and able to complete the tasks at hand. Next, I had to put five old television boxes (I got rid of an old set), the old router, and the old router booster into one big box. I then had to get that box into the trunk of my car, and then to a UPS store.
When I first moved to my new condo after my husband died, I bought a little dolly to help me to move heavy things. I think it cost about $40, but it has been invaluable these past 10 years. When I got to the UPS store, I got the dolly out of the back of the SUV, then, with a lot of effort, I lifted the giant box out and put it on the ground. I was trying to get the box on the dolly when I nice young man saw me struggling and asked it I needed help. I answered yes. He lifted the heavy box and walked it right inside the UPS store, put it on the counter (I was not the next person in line) and said, "Hey, Bud, I am putting this heavy box up here for this nice lady." I thanked him, adding that life was certainly more difficult since my husband died, but that he had made my burden that morning so much lighter. He politely said, "You're welcome. Have a nice day," and went on his way.
I will be 69 years old this month, and with my increasing age, I find many things to be more challenging than they used to be. Arthritis and joint pain have forced me to have limitations. For years, I was the one who was helping strangers, and on Saturday, I became the recipient of kindness from a stranger. That kindness made my day.
"We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone." Ronald Reagan
Be safe. Be kind.
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
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!
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Twitter @dederittman
