My Grandson has been in a magnet school for a few years, and thrived under the more personalized instruction to meet his needs. He has an audio learning disability, and as he was taught phonics, he spells the word as he hears it. If you dont hear the word correctly, makes spelling a bit more challenging. He is very verbal, and able to speak his knowledge well if he is tested in an oral method , and has been caught by the yard watchers teaching other children on the fields of the school... things like why gophers are important to the eco-system. An aide went to the teachers lounge one day and was telling them about this young boy teaching aeration and root life... A teacher said, Sirr, right? The aide was surprised the teachers knew of whom she was speaking. Yeah. Thats Sirr. His school plays Flag Football, so he wanted to move to regular high school as a freshman this year. They (meaning college) wont notice me on a flag team, he told us. I need to play tackle if I want a scholarship. Dont worry, I can take a hit.... but I can give one too! As part of his exit interview to determine if moving to mainstream high school was a sound move for him, the district held a parent/counselor/teacher/student meeting, and one of the questions asked of him was, If you had three wishes, what would they be? Asking a 14 year old boy... His answer was... (1) I would find a cure for all disease, especially cancer. ( His father was diagnosed Stage 4 in a very rare form of thyroid cancer, only 2 cases in the State, a few years ago, and while he is winning in that he is alive, he will never be normal...) (2) I would end hunger. No one, no child, no grandparent, should be hungry. (3) I would wish for the ability to open any wallet, anywhere in the world, and take out the money I need, at any time. The school psychologist asked, What?? You dont want a PlayStaion??, laughing a little and smiling at this 14 year old boy. You missed the point, he said. If I get wish 3, I can will have what I need to accomplish 1 and 2, and still meet any of my own needs or want. Love this YOUNG MAN. I share his story today... because TODAY I too wish I could open my wallet and take care of just what is on our plate TODAY, much less world hunger or solve this crazy attack on the working poor, veterans, seniors and children... the majority of those who will be affected by the SNAP cuts tomorrow. We have a veteran family, street homeless, and pending their final paperwork to be re-housed, maybe as soon as next week. They did everything I told them to do... and the process is moving now at an expedited pace... but it takes time. At least another week, which is faster than the normal 2 to 3 months it takes us to utilize this particular program. Mom and Dad work, kids are in school... and they slept last night in their car because VASoCal does not have a contingency fund to pay for hotel rooms. If I cant get it donated, or find a generous partner.... my moves get limited to shelter beds... which are all full and have waiting lists as well, especially when trying to keep a family together. And we are still looking to keep our 71 year old Warrior Widow safe... We are meeting with the County Vet Rep today, but that will just be a paperwork search to see if she is eligible through her husbands service for some small pension. Housing will continue to be an issue... Expedited housing under Section 8 for seniors in our county does not kick in until the senior is 75. If we dont find a breakthrough solution for her soon, she too will be back in her car... in a parking lot... praying for safety each night. And requests for food assistance... 6 boxes so far today... And Coats and Sleeping Bags to the streets.... And requests for help with the upcoming Holidays.... Yeah. I want wish #3 too. Grandson. If you find that ability, that SUPERPOWER, let me know. I could use it too.
Posted on: Thu, 31 Oct 2013 17:21:59 +0000
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