A Few Kind Words

Kind words spoken are the best gift of all.

During the past two weeks, I've had the pleasure of meeting and talking with students again. The coordinator of Emergency Medical Services took a much deserved vacation so I kept things going for prospective EMT students, as Fall registration is underway. All of the students are appreciative of the help I’ve given but there is one student that I won’t forget.

An African American lady, five years older than me, came to my office last Monday. She’s hot on becoming an EMT. Her children are grown and she helped raise a few of her grandchildren. She’s had many part-time jobs throughout her adult life but her desire, now, is to have a career as a first responder. I marveled at her physical strength and enthusiasm. I envied and applauded her aspirations because while she is ready to set the world on fire and make a difference, I’m ready to step back and let someone else take over.

In order to qualify for the EMT class, students need to either provide a college transcript or take a reading and math test. She left my office with a handful of informational brochures and agreed to take the skills test.

Two days later, I scored her test and knew I had to make a phone call that would be difficult for me as she scored 8th grade in reading and 4th grade in math. Before I dialed her number, I rehearsed my lines for a few minutes and took a deep breath.

Was she disappointed? No, as she expected low scores. I gave her options. Certainly, she could take the test as many times as she wanted, but I referred her to our tutoring center, free of charge, to get those basic math skills back and opportunities to read, read, read! It might take her several weeks of tutoring and that would preclude Fall registration but she’ll certainly be ready for Spring. I called the tutoring center yesterday and learned she has made appointments over the next three weeks. Many prospective students need to hear more than a recorded message. Smiles and encouragement goes a long way and I’m certain she will show up on an EMT roster one day soon.

Instead of immersing myself in budgets and paperwork, I’d rather do what I did lately. Assisting students. I’d like that.

This short message appeared in our college newsletter this week, written by a GED/Adult Education representative:

“We had a young man come in several weeks ago to get his scores. He looked very ‘gangster’ and was with another young man. When I looked up his scores they were quite good. I was telling him how well he had done...bragging on him somewhat....he seemed stunned that he had succeeded. As he stood there his friend said in gangster vernacular.... 'man you look like you gonna cry...are you?‘ His reply was with a broken smile....'yeah man, I just might...I finally did one thing right in my life.' I was so touched...I told him that he had done so well he should consider some college classes...his reply, 'For real?' I told him of course he could and explained the process. He said he had never even thought about college. He came back last week to get another transcript from us...he was on his way to admissions to sign up for college courses...not sure what to study...but ready to start. That is what this program and a GED can do..... how cool is that!”

Isn’t that what it’s all about?

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The weather was splendid this weekend and graced us with a cool breeze and hot sun. The early mornings were chilly! Nice relief for burned out Carolinians.



A few thunderstorms rejuvenated the Crepe Myrtles out back but there are many trees, flowers, and shrubs that look miserable.

The Mourning Doves are bonding with me. I really think so!

Brown Thrashers and Woodpeckers have reappeared this weekend after a few weeks vacation. The Starlings and Grackles left a week or two ago but I’m still fighting the squirrel population. They’re draining my checkbook!

Welcome back, handsome man! Help yourself. You are very welcome.



On Saturday evening I took a stroll through the overgrown area near the bird feeders and culvert. There is always something new but I rely on my garden bloggers to tell me what it is?

Here’s another weed with striking photo appeal!

Weeeeeeee!

This is the one. I can’t count the number of hummingbird photos I’ve taken over the weekend. Many of them are good but this one is sweet. Can’t zoom in when they are zooming!

Hummingbird photos are fantastic in my blogging community but I want to praise a gentle lady who posts several times a day and makes me smile with her brief but meaningful poetry, complimented by her prize-winning photos. Please take a look at Sherry’s “Monarch and a Hummingbird”. You will love it. I did!

It’s been a full weekend. Lots to do. I enjoy a little time each night – winter, spring, summer, and fall – parking myself near the pond lights to look for something that might swim by…