A Lesson from Fourth Grade
A Lesson from Fourth Grade
Redbank School
This story is one I submitted back in 1997 to SPCASA Connector Newsletter.
It was published Oct. /Nov. 1997- Volume 14
Fourth Grade was the year I remember best. I was in Mrs. Schofield's class at Redbank School. The academic year was 1969-70. We had a new boy join our class that year who was visibly different from the rest. He needed crutches to get around. I noticed that he was very shy and spent recess alone. I chose to befriend him.
By summer, he moved. I thought about him often and wondered how he was doing. We were both in High School now. Once while driving in Portland, I saw him outside his home. He was now using a wheelchair. I knew I needed to write to him.
To my surprise, I received a letter from him. He remembered me. I've carried him in my heart all these years as a gentle reminder of the strength of the human spirit. Two years ago, he passed away. [I have a memoriam and his letter still] I realized that I had been a good friend to him and I found comfort in that. I still think of him.
I thought of him when I found my son had Muscular Dystrophy. I knew that my son would experience the same struggles. I am grateful for that fourth grade memory because it taught me that people are just people. They all want acceptance and friendship.
With that memory of my grammar school friend, I know the importance of talking to children. As I push my son around in his wheelchair for a walk around my neighborhood, I answer the children's questions. One child asks, "Why doesn't he know how to walk?" My reply always includes a smile and an honest answer. "He does know how to walk. His legs won't let him walk. It is the same if you need glasses because your eyes won't let you read without them." They are always satisfied with my answer. This, I feel, will be beneficial to my son because he will see that I am dealing with the questions. I am trying to model for him the power he will need in life. He will need to rise above his disability, and show the world who he is. If we as adults talk to our children about these issues, we can instill in them the importance of being a friend and having compassion for others.
Suzan Roberts Norton
In memory of my childhood friend, Dana Rush
Very Good Story Suzan.I too had Mrs Schofield in Fourth Grade.I started School a year late because i had every known Childhood Illness
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Dear Suzan, Wow, what a beautiful person you are. It takes a very special person to befriend the kid who noone wants to be with, especially in only the 4th grade. You continue to amaze me with your strength and versatality. You are inspiring to all of us!
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Ditto to what Maribeth says above -- I could not have said it better!
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I agree with Maribeth and Cathy. You are a deep caring person of special Character! We never really know our friends as kids, but to see how they progress and develop, that is why stable long lasting communities are so important. That is why we love Redbank.
And I remember Dana well! I remember that year well. I remember your sister Sharon coming into our 5th grad class with a boy from her class to invite us to come see their shells they had collected. And we did, per Mr. Newell's approval if not instigation
That was my last year of school at Redbank as I moved at the end of that year to being another journey. Memories are fascinating. I am glad you have lots to share.
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I too had Mrs Scholfield in the 4th grade and Mrs. McDonald in the 5th. I went to school at Redbank 1966-1968. I have my 4th & 5th grade class photos and would like to post them here for all. Guess I can't figure it out But they are on Facebook as a group "Redbank School" Check them out and see if you are in one or both pictures.
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Peter - have you gone to the website Redbankstreets.com? Ruth posts school photos there. I think you just need to scan them into an email and forward them to her. Her Email is on the home page of the website. Just a thought...
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