My friend Kim got some unexpected (but very good) news
recently, that she would be hired as a 5th grade teacher at one of
our local schools. Hooray! Not only will she have a great job, but she will be
making a difference in the lives of children. If any part of Kim rubs off on
her students, what a blessing that will be!
But there was a problem. The news of Kim’s teaching position
came only a few days before classes started. What’s a girl to do with plans for
“Friday Fun Days” but no fun supplies? Kim mentioned she looked at board games
at a local retailer. All so expensive. And isn’t that just like one of our
beloved teachers? Reaching into her own pocket for classroom supplies our low-budget
school systems just can’t provide in the current financial environment?
Everybody stop right now and thank a teacher for all they do for love of our
kids!
So what to do about Friday Fun Day for the 5th
grade? Randon to the rescue. Again. Most of you reading this who knew my son
Randon, also know he did everything in a big way. Or at least his mom did.
Yeah, I tended to spoil him, indulging him in excessive amounts of the things
he loved, mostly because there were so many things he couldn’t do or
participate in. I would go so far as to say his three favorite things were books,
movies and games. Oh my.
He had huge collections of these things. A few years ago,
shortly after his passing, our family donated his book collection (including
Hank the Cow Dog) to the Bennington School Library. We also donated his movie
collection to the school. Now his books and movies are found in classrooms, day
cares, homes, anywhere they can continue to be enjoyed by children in our
community. Yay Randon!
But so far, Randon’s game collection still filled shelves in
our house and garage. Alas, they were collecting dust with no one to enjoy
them. I suppose I could have carted them off to the Good Will store, but I
always hoped I would run across someone who wanted them. Someone Randon knew,
and who would enjoy having his things.
So, and you’re way ahead of me by now, Randon’s game
collection found its way into Kim’s 5th grade classroom as the focus
of Friday Fun Days (or at least the rainy ones.) I would have to admit to a
slight twinge of sadness as the games went off to their new home, but when one
of Kim’s students proudly announced to his friends that he knew Randon from his
church and was excited about having his games, that made it ALL worthwhile.
That and the expression on the face of Kim’s son when we bestowed upon him the
beloved Strolling Bowling game. Yep. Smiles all around!
Thank you Kim. Thanks 5th grade. Oh yeah. And
thanks Randon. Your legacy loves on.
