Dear So and So

[Veronica]

The cake they brought in was amazing - decorated with a SF Giants theme. Two layers, separated with strawberries and the cake was divided into vanilla and chocolate sections. Not a cheap cake. Mom, dad and grandma came and served it after lunch recess. The kid was really surprised and happy. I don't understand the need to bring stuff into the classroom though and I still wish he had a healthy snack every day.

Veronica

[Crankin]

Kids really like it when parents do this. It lets them feel like a "star" for the moment. I used to go in to my kid's classes in elementary school and make latkes at Chanukah (we were pretty much the only Jews around where we lived at the time) and both of my kids loved the attention. It's not like they didn't get any at home!
I agree, though. He should have a healthy snack every day. My take on this, after just about a year of going to families' homes to counsel is that birthdays and other holidays are really big deals to some who are struggling in other ways. They do stuff and spend money on things for their kids that they shouldn't because it's meeting some other need, when really it's the day to day stuff that should be attended to. I've seen this across cultures and generations. Most of the clients I work with have more toys and stuff than my own kids had.

[Veronica]

My take on this, after just about a year of going to families' homes to counsel is that birthdays and other holidays are really big deals to some who are struggling in other ways. They do stuff and spend money on things for their kids that they shouldn't because it's meeting some other need, when really it's the day to day stuff that should be attended to. I've seen this across cultures and generations. Most of the clients I work with have more toys and stuff than my own kids had.

Totally agree. Same kid has a fancy cell phone too. Our clientele is changing, next year we will be a Title 1 school. But many of those kids who are getting free or reduced lunch have cell phones, which they are on as soon as the bell rings. Maybe cell phone companies have a reduced rate for the poor or a great family rate. But I see a definite trend towards bling and less emphasis on day to day necessities - like pencils and tissues for my classroom!

Veronica

[SheFly]

Dear grandma -

I'm glad they are making you comfortable. Saying goodbye was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I'm glad that I got to see you one more time though, and to tell you I love you.

SheFly

[PamNY]

(((Shefly)))

[indysteel]

I'm so sorry SheFly. Your post immediately brought me to tears remembering my own goodbye to my grandfather. Hugs to you and your family.

[OakLeaf]

((((((SheFly)))))) I'm so sorry.

[Pax]

(((Shefly))) I'm so sorry.

[Veronica]

I wanted to give you a hug SheFly. So glad you got to see her.

Veronica

[Crankin]

She Fly, you must feel good you made that drive.
Veronica, yes there is a special program for low income people to get cell phones, though generally, you wouldn't be getting an I Phone. Most of my clients wouldn't have a phone if it wasn't for this.

[Owlie]

Dear grandma -

I'm glad they are making you comfortable. Saying goodbye was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I'm glad that I got to see you one more time though, and to tell you I love you.

SheFly

(((SheFly)))

[solobiker]

{{{Shefly}}} I am sorry that you are going through this but very happy you were able to see her again. I work with the older population ( I have worked with them for close to 20 years) and just love it so much. I have met such wonderful people with plenty of stories to tell. It brought a smile to my face to see your pic and tears to my eyes to read your post. All of my thoughts are with you.

[SheFly]

Thanks to all for the hugs and comments. Sadly, my gram passed away early this morning. I am really glad that I go the chance to visit and say goodbye. And solobiker - those stories will be in my heart forever!

SheFly