When I walked into the room, a young man immediately came up to me and asked if he could ask me a question. Of course! “What day is it?” I told him it was Wednesday. He said “no, it’s my birthday!” He was six years old and I congratulated him.
I proceeded to read the wonderful Dr. Seuss book One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish to the entire first grade class. Thus, my first foray into local volunteering.
It had been a long time since I’d read that particular book, and I didn’t recall how lengthy it was or how short is the attention span of a six year-old. I also did not recall locks on each classroom door, or a sign outside stating that every adult there has a gun and that these adults will protect the children. Now that’s scary.
Several of the children were quite vocal, all while being well-mannered. As I introduced the book I gave the author’s name, Dr. Seuss. One child called out “Like the Grinch!” Yes. “And The Cat In The Hat!” said another. Right again. I was impressed.
For the most part, they were interested, especially when I used the book to interact as in the character having one hair on his head and having to go and get it cut every single day.
They’re open, interested, wondering at the world around them. Not jaded yet. No grudges to pursue. It was an eye-opening experience for me, and also the day on which I received my second assignment.
I’m here temporarily, but I have experience in organizational development and volunteerism, having worked with a Cares/Hands On group for several years as a leader. Apparently I’m now a member of their leadership group. Now I’ve homework to do about the organization, and the area, and rural volunteering to be ready for my first meeting in less than two weeks.
I’d like to write for you a retrospective of the past few months and my brief foray into baking, with an experienced guide. Also the heifers and bulls, and what I see from my limited vantage point. But not right now.
I will give you an update on Sara the little yellow dog that was dumped on the farm end of summer. She’s healing from her dog bite-infected wounds and learning to walk on the injured limb. She hopped out of the crate for the first time yesterday, and for the first time since the attack she ate standing up. She’s eating for three to make up for earlier loss of appetite, and I put her on a zip line yesterday (it was finally warm enough for her to spend a few minutes outdoors in the sunshine) and when I returned a few moments later she had moved about 20′, hadn’t laid down to rest, and actually came about 30′ towards me before she got too tired to keep standing.
Progress! Her vet recommended physical therapy and I’ve just the place, a wheelchair ramp, then stairs. A few more weeks and she may be the sunny outdoor patrol dog we knew BDA (before dog attack). She’s still young and learning, but has great energy and when she decided she wanted to live, I took her on as a challenge.
We’re getting along fine in the countryside, or as the French would say “au milieu de nulle part” aka the middle of nowhere. Things are looking up work-wise and when I’m not playing dog nurse, I am now engaged as a volunteer helping the greater community as well. Keeps me off the streets! Cheers, Dee
Cooking with Dee 