This is a picture of my Aunt Dorothy, she has been my aspiration in life.
She has always encouraged me to work and get an education. When I began the career of an Early Childhood Educator, she would say, " I don't see how you can put up with children all day, but if you love it then do it with joy." I remember her words and I do love working with children and I do it in joy. But, what is so amazing, that a year ago she retired from the hospital after completing 48 years of dedicated service. She said, "she did not know what she was going to do now that she did not have to go to work
". I offered her to come and volunteer at my center as a Grandma. At first she was reluctant, but when she came the first day, she found out why I love my job so much and she comes 5 days a week, 5 hours a day with us. She is wonderful with the children and she has learned how valuable children need adults they can love and trust. The picture above is her sitting with the children while they were listening to a story from a real author. I believe she was just as excited as the children were.
I think it is wonderful you had such a great support!
ReplyDeleteI also find it great when a visitor (be it a grandmother, one of the child's parents, etc) come to the center the children flock to them. When they read, the children seem mesmerized.
It is also great that you can make her part of something you enjoy so much, and showed her why you are so passionate about the field.
Thanks Gwen for sharing this post. This is a great example why we should ask others to volunteer in a center. Children are benefited as well as staff to have extra eyes and ears in the class room.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great story. It is nice that your aunt gets to experience the same joy that you have had over the years.
ReplyDeleteAs a child, I was raised a good bit of the time by my grandmother. She would volunteer at my school and was even our "room mom" many years. My friends and classmates loved her and many called her "Grandma June". She is still such an inspiration to me as your aunt Dorothy is to you. Wishing you many more years of joy in the early childhood field.