tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578299375433383985.post2543662178345692941..comments2024-03-14T00:16:58.277-07:00Comments on Ordinary Guy: The Hidden PondTim O'Keefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12653709506879101775noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578299375433383985.post-84495416719920821372009-08-23T20:45:01.245-07:002009-08-23T20:45:01.245-07:00I just wanted to leave a comment about two of your...I just wanted to leave a comment about two of your posts. Shortest comment first: the smells post-I actually teared up at work one day (I work in a public library) because of a certain smell. I was searching the shelves for a book when suddenly I smelled an older patron's perfume as she walked by on the other side of the shelves. It was the same perfume I always remember my grandmother wearing on Sundays. It's amazing how small things such as that tap into a profound part of our hearts, huh? Secondly, about the Carle post-the library I work in is set in a somewhat, shall we say 'questionable' neighborhood. Many of the children have nowhere to go. Only in the past year or two has a playground been installed for their benefit. To be honest, some days they drive me out of my mind asking innumerable questions, constantly needing 'help' with things they can do for themselves, following me out to the book drops, etc. But, truth be told, you begin to feel a certain protectiveness over these kids; whether it is because they have no one else to protect them or it is simply a result of their constant presence I really couldn't say. Either way, when I ask them about their school day, I think look visibly downcast, and the reason inevitably is being labeled 'disruptive' 'incorrigible,' etc. by the education system, you want to request a 'parent-teacher' conference even though you're not really the parent. I don't think some people, not just teachers, but people in general, realize that the ability to follow orders impeccably, draw in the lines, and stay on your carpet square are what make model students or people. Artists, children like Carle, are what make us human, I think. Without them we would live in a very 'Orwellian' Aldous Huxley style world. I think the world sometimes literally or metaphorically beats the kindness, compassion, and tender-heart out of some children and them blames them for their lack. Anyway, I'm sorry for such an incredibly long comment from a complete stranger, but that particular post just struck a soft spot in my heart, because it reminded me of so many children I know.Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12534602761236401559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578299375433383985.post-33877099262279877342009-08-23T17:22:51.583-07:002009-08-23T17:22:51.583-07:00Thank you so much for your comment - It really mad...Thank you so much for your comment - It really made me happy!<br /><br />I've not been blog-checking lately, so I've just read your post on Carle and it squeezed my heart. I worked as a kindergarten teacher assistant for 7 years and I can somewhat identify with your experience with Carle. I no longer work with the school system, but there is one child in particular that will be in my memory for the rest of my life. I won't ever forget thinking on the first day of school that year, that it was going to be a long 180 days. Closely following the 1st day memory, is the other memory of the day, some months later, that the principal saw the child with me one afternoon, and he made a reference to the child being my appendage (in a good way, I promise). That child was "one of the least of these" that I loved, and I still worry about where he has probably ended up, because of circumstances. <br /><br />I'm thankful that there are such caring teachers as you in the world.Mamafamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04642279230675116567noreply@blogger.com