Month: June 2024

Nutritious Maple Walnut Salad Inspired by Alzheimer’s Study | Health Recipe

by stephsimply, posted in Recipes

“I am cautiously optimistic and very encouraged by these findings, which may give many people new hope and new choices,” Dr. Dean Ornish

highly anticipated study 📈

Photo by Greta Hoffman on Pexels.com

I recently returned from a trip to Ontario, Canada. While I was there, a major study, led by Dr. Dean Ornish, was released in BioMed Central’s Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy. This highly anticipated research was widely promoted across various news outlets weeks earlier. Despite the fact I had read the earlier press releases, reading the report, one peaceful early morning in a rustic cabin along the shores of backwoods lake, provided greater understanding.

As I have previously written, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia are part of the genetic make-up on both sides of my family history.  Watching it take the minds of my beloved grandparents was heartbreaking. Ultimately, they required extensive care in large part due to AD, the burden of which fell upon their children. Therefore, I want to do all that is possible to avoid placing that type of burden upon my loved ones.

Ornish’s study is the first controlled clinical trial to demonstrate that lifestyle habits can delay the onset and progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early dementia due to AD. The study initially enrolled 51 patients and their designated partners, aged 45-90, for 20 weeks, but two withdrew. Nonetheless, the study guided the remaining 49 patients through a series of interventions, including a plant-based diet; walking 30 minutes per day; strength training three days a week; stress management including yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation, to name a few; group support via Zoom meetings, and specific supplementation, all of which is clearly spelled out. 

Excitement Incitement 💡

The excitement of this study got my recipe-creating gears grinding, especially as a major heat wave sank its talons in a large swath of the U.S. and Canada, including where I was staying with my husband. With the extreme heat we were experiencing, the last thing I wanted to do was turn on the cabin’s stove or oven, especially since there was no air conditioning. Therefore, throughout our stay, I created several dinners of seriously large salads, adding additional inspiration for this month’s recipe.  

Of further influence was the wide availability of Canadian maple syrup.  In fact, I encountered a representative of White Meadows Farms, out of St. Catherine, Ontario.  This family-owned farm, established in 1937, has been harvesting sap to make maple syrup for over three generations. After one sample, my taste buds were “stuck” on the flavor of their dark syrup. I knew I had to put their syrup to good use as part of this recipe creation. After all, sweet moderation is an important part of good health.

Nuts for health 🌰

Another point of inspiration for this recipe was the wide availability of bulk walnuts at the local market near our camp. Nut and seeds are a healthy part of the Ornish diet. In fact, according to the Cleveland Clinic, walnuts provide a good source of omega-3 fats and antioxidants for heart health, benefit gut health due to their high fiber content, help stave off inflammation, and may reduce risks for certain cancers.  Additionally, those healthy fats and antioxidants may boost brain health–perhaps that is why walnuts are shaped like a brain!

A rainbow recipe of pride 🏳️‍🌈

One final source of inspiration for this recipe was the fact that it was created during June, the month of Pride, dedicated to celebrating my friends and loved ones in the LGBTQ+ community, including my brother and two nieces.  It is with great, well, “pride” and celebration that this recipe will debut on June 28, International LGBTQ+ Day.  This gorgeous salad offers a RAINBOW of tasty colors and textures designed to nourish EVERY body.

From my home to yours, I wish you health, happiness, and hope for an optimistic future free from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease!

Rainbow salad with maple walnuts and vinaigrette, gluten-free with vegan options

Maple walnuts ingredients:

2 cups walnuts

⅓ cup pure maple syrup

½ to 1 teaspoon vanilla 

¼ to ½ teaspoon cinnamon 

⅛  teaspoon sea salt

Salad ingredients:

5 or more ounces of favorite baby greens

1 cup sliced strawberries

¾ cup blueberries

2-3 clementines, sectioned

½ sliced large red onion

½ cup roasted red peppers and/or shredded carrots

2-4 ounces goat, or equivalent vegan, cheese or 1 cup beans, drained and rinsed

Maple walnut balsamic vinaigrette ingredients:

¼ cup walnuts

½ cup water

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 tablespoons dijon mustard

½ teaspoon dried onion powder

½ teaspoon dried oregano

⅛ teaspoon salt

Pepper to taste

Maple walnut directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Line baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease and set aside

Place maple syrup in a small, microwave safe bowl.

Heat syrup for 30-60 seconds

Stir in vanilla, cinnamon, and sea salt until thoroughly mixed

Pour syrup mixture over walnuts, and stir until well coated

Spread coated walnuts onto prepared baking sheet

Bake 5-7 minutes, then stir and rotate 

Continue baking for 3-5 minutes or until walnuts are golden brown

Remove walnuts from oven and allow to cool on baking sheet 

Break walnuts apart and store in airtight container or baggie for up to 3-4 for weeks

Enjoy these maple walnuts as a snack or sprinkle over salads, fruit bowls, oatmeal, yogurt parfaits, ice cream sundaes, etc 

Maple walnut balsamic vinaigrette directions:

Place all ingredients in high powered blender and blend until smooth, approximately 45 seconds

Pour into glass container (I like to use canning jar)

Store in refrigerator for up to 4 weeks

Makes approximately 1 cup dressing

To assemble salad:

Add greens to large salad bowl

Add sliced strawberries, blueberries, clementines, sliced red onion, sliced red pepper, and/or shredded carrots, if using.

Toss with desired amount of dressing, divide among plates/bowls and top with goat or vegan cheese (or top with beans instead, such as roasted chickpeas)

Serves 2-4

This recipe also took inspiration from the following websites and articles: Better with Cake, The Garden Grazer, Hello Nutritarian, “Effects of intensive lifestyle changes on the progression of mild cognitive impairment or early dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized, controlled clinical trial,” an article on BioMed Central,“‘A study to give us hope’: Lifestyle changes improve Alzheimer’s symptoms for some,” an article on CNN, and Shane and Simple.

Discover ‘The Soo’: Friendly Charm and Scenic Waterfront of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

by stephsimply, posted in Travels

“Situated at the heart of the Great Lakes, along the banks of the St. Mary’s River, Sault Ste. Marie is an international port of entry to the United States and continues to be an important destination for business, trade, and travel.”–City of Sault Ste. Marie website

Welcome to “The Friendliest City” 🏙️

If you have ever traveled to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, then you most likely are familiar with “The Soo.” Despite the fact John, my husband, and I traveled to and briefly stayed in this area June 2023, I never picked up on the name.  However, after spending a short time in Sault Ste. Maria, Ontario, I can say with confidence that I now not only know what “The Soo” is, but also I have been there and would highly recommend visiting this welcoming, community-centered place.

According to the city’s website, Sault Ste. Marie is known as the “Friendliest City” in Algoma, a district in Ontario.  I can certainly believe that assessment based upon our encounters during our recent visit. John and I met numerous friendly and helpful people throughout our short stay. During our stay, the Sault Ste. Marie was energetic and bustling during a temperate June weekend. The city was dressed in its best, filled with murals, gigantic art sculptures, and stunning, overflowing flower-lined streets and walks.

A bridge apart

The view of International Bridge from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

Sault Ste. Marie is nestled along the St. Mary’s River, which serves as an international divide between the US and Canada.  The city was incorporated 1912, but it was founded in 1680.  The town’s rich history makes sense given the fact it is situated among three of the five Great Lakes, including Superior, Huron, and Michigan. Specifically, The Soo Locks, located on the St. Mary’s River, allow freighters to travel between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes.  In fact, according to Sault Ste. Marie Pure Michigan, these locks move 86 million tons of cargo each year, which includes 95% of the United States’s iron ore.

Walkable/Bikeable City 🚶🚲

One view of Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront Boardwalk overlooking the St. Mary’s River.

One of the first noticeable highlights of Sault Ste. Marie is how walkable the town is!  Sidewalk lined streets, a boardwalk along the St. Mary’s River, and numerous other trails connected various parts of the city.  We were fortunate enough to stay at the Delta, a hotel right along the Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront Boardwalk. Measuring 2.6 km (1.6 miles), this boardwalk offers delightful views of the river, The Soo Locks, river traffic, and ample opportunities for people watching at the Roberta Bondar Park and Tent Pavilion. There are numerous picnic tables, benches, and gorgeous landscaping along the path.  

Visual Appeal 🖼️

The Art Gallery of Algoma at the foot of the Waterfront Boardwalk.

Images from the Elsie Savoie Sculpture Park at  the Art Gallery of Algoma.

Just steps from the end of Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront Boardwalk is the Art Gallery of Algoma. Overlooking the St. Mary’s River near public parks and trails, the Art Gallery of Algoma, according to its website, is committed to “celebrating culture, educating visitors, and enriching lives through the visual arts.” This commitment could be clearly seen and felt from the outside (They were closed on the day of our visit.) via their permanent outdoor exhibit, the Elsie Savoie Sculpture Park. These larger than life sculptures feature both Canadian and American artists and offer visitors and pedestrians alike visual interest, and, of course, plenty of one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. Additionally, the gallery offers numerous tours, a gallery shop, a cafe, numerous special programing, and rotating exhibitions throughout the year.

Historical Walk 🏢

The Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site, Saint Mary’s Island, and the Attikamek Trail are near the International Bridge.

At the other end of the Waterfront Boardwalk is the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site, Saint Mary’s Island, and the Attikamek Trail. The island can only be explored by walking or biking along the Attikamek Trail. This 2.5 km (1.5 miles) loop offers visitors spectacular opportunities to view and photograph wetlands, wildlife, the International Bridge, and the Canal Historic Site.  Additionally, visitors can also view Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan directly across the river. According to one person, the island and trail are popular attractions for both locals and visitors.

The Hub of the City 🚶🏽‍♀️

The John Rowswell Hub can be found in the heart of Sault Ste. Marie.

Additionally, the Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront Boardwalk is part of the 25 km (15.52 miles) John Rowswell Hub.  This trail was designed to create recreational opportunities for residents and tourists alike as it connects several important sights of historical, cultural, and natural areas throughout the city.  John and I couldn’t help but notice that our hotel offered bike storage for those visitors hoping to take advantage of this trail and numerous other nearby biking and hiking trails. (There are even opportunities for winter fat biking!)

Flying High 🚁

Not far from the Waterfront Boardwalk is the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.

Unfortunately for John and me, our visit was short, so we only had time to explore the riverfront area of The Soo.  However, one attraction we would have loved to have visited was the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. This unique museum, according to its website, was established in 1987 by a nonprofit (www.bushplane) to safeguard Canada’s beloved bush planes and their history of forest fire protection. Most reviewers wholeheartedly recommend setting aside two-three hours to get the most out of this museum.  Appropriately located in a waterfront airplane hangar, this interactive center offers visitors 24 aircraft exhibits, including a CL-215 water bomber and the original De Havilland Beaver.  If we have the opportunity to travel to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, this is one attraction that we definitely plan to visit.

A Boatload of Fun 🛳️

Be sure to include Miss Marie Sault Lock Tour on your visit to Sault Ste. Marie.

Another fun draw to The Soo includes a boat tour on the Miss Marie Sault Lock Tours. This two hour tour takes visitors through both the Canadian and American Locks. It does not require a passport, and offers various package and group rates.  Based upon the group John and I saw heading out, these boat tours look like a popular, and highly demanded attraction, and it is another adventure we wouldn’t mind experiencing on another visit.

Goat what?

Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com

Imagine a goat beside you on the yoga mat instead of your beloved dog or cat? Sound impossible, but it’s not!

One of the more whimsical sites I wished I could have visited was Goatopia. This singular business, according to its website, offers goat therapy as a way to feel “calmer, lighter, and internally more spacious.” Goatopia offers group socials where participants of all ages can go to interact, groom, and learn about goats.  They also offer goat-yoga, which involves practicing yoga while goats roam freely throughout the space, interacting with practitioners. Plus, they offer group classes/corporate team building, community events, and birthday parties with their mobile goat petting farm!  

Catch the Soo Vibe 🤙

Catch the positive vibe of Sault Ste. Marie.

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario offers has much to offer tourists. From the local farmer’s market to numerous parks and beaches, from a wide array of shopping opportunities to a number of museums and cultural events, and from sports and recreational activities to numerous restaurants and dining venues, this town has something for everyone.  The welcoming vibe of “The Soo” can be felt in its warm people, interconnected footpaths, and centrally located, community-focused commerce, culture, and recreation along the beautiful St. Mary’s River. Whether you’re visiting the Upper Peninsula, traveling through Ontario, or simply looking for a unique destination, Sault Ste. Marie is a vibrant and highly recommended locale.

Effective Teaching and Coaching: Cultivating Student Achievement and Self-Improvement

Featured by stephsimply, posted in education

Lessons from a Lifetime of Teaching series, Part 3

“The road to success is not a path you find, but a trail you blaze.”–Robert Breault

Author’s Note: This is the third installment of stories from decades of teaching students grades K-12.  It is my hope that by sharing these stories, I will cultivate lessons of compassion, empathy, and understanding. 

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

Coaching requirement ⛹️‍♀️

My educational career began at a rural Kentucky high school. I was one of five special education teachers. One of the requirements for teaching at this high school was coaching a team in some capacity. Therefore, I assisted with the women’s cross country and track teams. 

At the time, I didn’t know a thing about either sport, but the head coach of the cross country team was another special education teacher, Coach Bailey (name changed for privacy). I didn’t realize it when I first met him, but in the end, Bailey became a role model for me as an educator and coach.  

As luck would have it, our classrooms were side by side, divided only by a rolling chalkboard.  In the two years I worked with “Coach,” as everyone called him, I rarely heard him raise his voice, and if he did, you can bet he had a darn good reason. Mostly, Coach was a naturally soft-spoken man who could both nurture and challenge students and athletes alike.

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

Meet the Coach 🏃‍♀️

Coach, in my mind, was “older” with salt and pepper straight hair parted down the center and a thick mustache.  His face was browned and weathered from years spent in the sun that contrasted his light aquamarine eyes.  His typical attire was khakis with a school logo polo shirt with a matching ball cap–the cap was only for sporting events. When the temperatures turned cold, he added a school logo v-neck polyester pullover that was popular with coaching staff in the late 80s.

On our first meeting, Coach gave me a tour of the “department facilities,” such as they were.  Three of the five special education classrooms were underneath the visitor side of the gym bleachers, and the other two classrooms were found at the end of the gym, just beyond the baseline.  As we walked, he politely introduced me to the faculty and staff we encountered. 

Later, when Coach discovered I had been assigned to “assist” him with the cross country team, he did not roll his eyes, sigh, or mutter under his breath upon hearing I had no coaching experience, which I feared he would do.  Instead, he said he was glad to have me as part of the team because the young ladies needed a female leader.

Photo by RUN 4 FFWPU on Pexels.com

Ladies Cross Country Team 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

He then explained that the cross-country team had already begun practicing and invited me to join them that afternoon. It was then he asked if I ran.  Not wanting to disappoint him, I said that I did, which was sort of true. I had begun jogging during my last quarter of college just before graduating. I continued to jog two-three days per week around town after moving in with my grandparents that same summer, but I was by no means fast or knowledgeable about running beyond the basics. I knew I would have much to learn.

By 3:00 pm, I was on an access road along the Ohio River meeting the team. As Coach introduced me to the young ladies, they welcomed me with warm smiles.  As the weeks progressed, I would come to love these ladies, especially for the mature way they approached running, academics, and life in general. They were a driven group with gritty spirits, and they supported one another throughout the season even though they were competitors in races.

During this first practice, I learned that my job was to run, jog, or walk with whoever was at the back of the pack during the team’s long training runs while Coach rode his bike with the girls at the front of the group.  I was worried because I did not know if I had that level of fitness to keep up with even the so-called “slowest” runner.  

Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom on Pexels.com

The IMportance of Grit 💪

It turned out that there were two ladies who had joined the team with no running experience. Coach already knew they were not yet able to keep up with the other seasoned runners. Therefore, he asked that I remain steadfastly encouraging.  It was a role I relished. 

As the season progressed, one of the two newer runners was a “natural,” and was soon running with the rest of the team.  But Coach still insisted that I mostly focus on helping “Amy,” the runner who still struggled. He shared that while winning races was nice, developing stamina and perseverance were lifelong skills applicable to many settings, not just running.

Throughout the cross country season, Coach fostered a team attitude of, “You’re only in competition with your best time.”  His coaching style was gentle, but firm; supportive, but with high expectations.  However, those expectations were individualized to each runner, including Amy.  This philosophy was most evident after the regional meet.

Photo by Chiara Caldarola on Pexels.com

Individualized Success 🏅

We had two runners who finished in the top spots who qualified to move on to the sectional meet.  While Coach was happy with those two and praised their efforts, he also pointed out a few techniques they could use to improve their times for the next race.  

Additionally, since it was the last meet for the rest of the team, Coach took time to speak to each of the runners, showing them their running times from those hot days of August until the end of October.  All team members had improved significantly, and he made sure each runner knew how much they had achieved over the season. Coach conveyed heartfelt pride in each lady’s accomplishment, and he encouraged each one to run track in the spring.

Later, I watched Amy, who was always the last finisher for our team, walk over to her parents and chatter away about her improved times and how she couldn’t wait for spring track season.

Photo by Gerd Altmann on Pexels.com

Nudges of Success 🙌

Coach taught his students in the same manner in which he coached.  His expectations were high, but his capacity for compassion and empathy was deep. Coach was attentive and intentional when talking with students and athletes alike. He could be firm when needed, but mostly, he taught and coached with a gentle, kind, and encouraging spirit.

How fortunate was I to have taught with Coach for two years. He modeled that effective teaching–and coaching–is about the importance of each student–how you make them feel and the impact of motivating students to improve and stretch to be better versions of themselves. Every student’s best is different, and it is the job of a teacher and/or coach to see this and purposefully nudge each student forward to the next level in order for students to blaze their own trail of success.

Mindful Breathing for Inner Peace: Embracing the Wisdom of Native American Tradition

Featured by stephsimply, posted in Simple Observations and Musings

“We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far.”–Swami Vivekananda 

Author note: A reader requested I write another meditation.  I hope this benefits not only that reader, but anyone else who may be in need of a quiet mind, even if only for a few moments.  

Photo by Rachel Claire on Pexels.com

Wakeful Worries 😏

As I rose early on a recent morning, thoughts were bouncing around on the trampoline of my mind.  I had a to-do list that was growing and several creative ideas sprouting.  Overriding all of this, however, were stresses and worries springing about like jackrabbits in the desert. In fact, those negative thoughts, I realized with a sudden clarity, had been vying for residency in my mind for several weeks to the point they were disrupting my sleep.

Feeling the inner war, I opened a window, sat down in a chair near it–cup of coffee in hand–and welcomed nature’s morning muzak.  I took in a deep inhale, and slowly let it out. 

Inhaling, I felt the expanse of my ribs. Exhaling, I sensed bits of tension releasing. Focusing on my breath, I gently closed my eyes in an attempt to relax my body and release the mind noise.  Inhale, soften. Exhale, dissolve.

Photo by Anete Lusina on Pexels.com

Focused Breathing 😮‍💨

I am unsure how long I remained in this focused state of breathing, but soon, my mind drifted–as it tends to do–back into thoughts.  Thoughts of past events, worries of future events, and pressing concerns for the day ahead kept popping up. I had to keep redirecting my mind back to my breath and gently pushed aside those niggling thoughts.  It wasn’t easy.  Like a curious toddler trying to tempt fate, my mind kept circling back to those all-consuming worries and concerns.  

Inhale, redirect the mind back to the breath.  Exhale.  Let go of the negative thoughts jostling for attention. 

As my mind engaged in this game of ping-pong, I was reminded of a story I heard years ago during my yoga teacher training.  

Inhale, notice how easily the body can breathe.  Exhale, notice how naturally the body releases. 

Photo by Shelby Waltz on Pexels.com

The Parable of the two Wolves 🐺

The story, as I recall, is based on a Native American parable.  An old tribal leader was teaching his grandson about life. The grandfather tells his grandson that there is a fight going on inside of him. He describes it as a terrible fight between two wolves.  

Inhale, notice the ease of breath.

One wolf is evil, the story goes. He is filled with anger, envy, superiority, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false-pride, and ego.  

Exhale, let go more.

The other wolf is good. He is filled with joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, and compassion.  

Inhale, lungs fill.

The grandson thought about it for a minute, and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?” 

Exhale, lungs release.

The old tribal leader smiled and replied, “The wolf you feed will win.”

Inhale truth; exhale falsities. 

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels.com

our Thoughts can be shackling ⛓️

I sat with the story, returning to the ebb and flow of my breath. The nourishment of the inhale continued to fill me with a sense of peace.  The long, slow exhale showered the soul, washing away worries, fears, and anxieties.

Many of us have experienced moments when we feel shackled by memories and traumas of past events. For some of us, those past occurrences created deeply-rooted fears, planted in our minds like cancerous tumors. Those seeds of fear from long-ago have a tendency to create clouds of self-doubt, blocking rays of hope and joy that can be found in the present moment.

Inhale, strength.  Exhale, dread.

However, there are times when all the present can offer you is a stem full of thorny events as if the sweet blossoms of life have been stolen. Illness, disease, work-day stressors, financial struggles, and numerous other difficulties prickle and needle our days with seemingly no balm for the soul. At these times, it can be easy to dip into the waters of sorrow, the woe-is-me story.

Inhale, perseverance. Exhale, detachment from the story.

Photo by Gary Barnes on Pexels.com

mindful connections 😌

However, even when we are surrounded by the chaos of life, there is a place of peace and ease. All it takes is a moment to reconnect with our breath, the river of calm and life-giving force within us. By giving up the struggle for one moment, we can let go of the bubbles of tension held within our depths, and allow them to rise and release with each exhale.  With each inhalation, we strengthen our connection to our True Source, our Infinite Creator.  With each exhalation, we can surrender our illusion of control and trust that all is as it should be.  

Inhale, fortitude. Exhale, liberate the mind.

By watching the ebb and flow of each inhale and exhale, we can lay down our burdens of our fear, doubt, and pain for the time being, and allow the Universe to carry the load for us. We can inhale the peace, and with the exhale, perceive the lightness of nothing is weighing us down in the moment. We can allow ourselves to feel the Divine creations that we are, and have faith in the process.  All is well in this moment as we breathe.

Inhale, trust.  Exhale, believe.

Photo by Arthur Brognoli on Pexels.com

breathe. connect. have faith. 😌

  In the same way that we trust our lungs to breathe for us–even when we are not focused on them–so too must we put our trust in our Creator and the flow of our life.  It doesn’t mean all will be perfect, for life is not simple. However, when life, and/or those around you, choose to feed the bad wolf, take a breath, and remind yourself that you have the power to choose to feed the good wolf, simply by pausing and taking a few deep breaths. 

Inhale, faith. Exhale, peace. 

Cultivate Inner Joy and Watch It Spread: Lessons from a Lifetime of Teaching, part 2

Featured by stephsimply, posted in education

“The soul’s joy lies in doing.”–Percy Bysshe Shelley

Author’s Note: This is the second installment of stories from decades of teaching a wide array of students from grades K-12.  It is my hope that by sharing these stories, I will cultivate lessons of compassion, empathy, and understanding. 

Photo by Surja Sen Das Raj on Pexels.com

Bus Ride 🚌

My first two professional years were spent teaching students placed in special education classrooms in a large rural high school that served an entire county in Kentucky.  Some of my students faced a two-hour ride each morning and afternoon to get to and from school.  Those students rode a “feeder line” out of their hollow, or “holler,” as it was locally pronounced, because the roads were deemed unsafe for school bus passage.  The feeder line drove students to the end of the hollow where the students would then board their school bus.

School began at 8:00 and ended at 3:00, and students could begin arriving as early as 7:30.  This meant several of my students left their house around 5:30 am and would not arrive home until after 5:00 pm.  Additionally, the “holler” roads were often impassable during bad weather.  Therefore, there was a high rate of absenteeism among those students, especially during the winter months.

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com

Learning methods 📝

One of those students who rode a feeder line was named “Gladys.” (Name change for privacy) Gladys had been identified as having a lower IQ. Reading and math were not easy for her.  It was as if Gladys’ brain was wired to process at a slower pace and needed expanded time to practice and play with whatever new skill she was learning.  

However, what worked to Gladys’ advantage was that she was incredibly verbal. When learning something new, most students, after instruction, think through the steps or the words to complete a task, but not Gladys. She would speak through each step and/or say each word aloud as she worked through assignments.  It seemed she had to have a conversation with herself in order to learn. 

Photo by Mary Taylor on Pexels.com

Joy Filled Spirit 😁

What I most appreciated about Gladys, however, was her spirit.  She was naturally joyful, but when she learned a new skill, she became highly animated.  And her joy was expressed in a loud and eager voice.

“Miss Musick, Miss Musick!  Did you hear that?  I read that story!  Want me to tell you all about it?”

“Miss Musick, Miss Musick!  I made change correctly!  You think the store will hire me?  I’ve always wanted to work at a cash register and push all those buttons!”

“Miss Musick, Miss Musick . . .” she sang out with every microstep of progress she made, a smile wide across her face.

On and on, Gladys would talk from the time she entered the classroom until it was time to go home.  On days she was absent, there was a void in the classroom.  However, upon Gladys’ return after an absence, her habit of sing-songing my name twice before asking or telling me something seemed to be in overdrive as if she had been saving up all her questions and thoughts to deposit them into the bank of our classroom.

My grandparents house that was viewed as a “mansion.”

Hope Filled adventure 🚙

I had much hope for Gladys.  So much so that I wrote to her parents and invited Gladys to come home with me after school one evening. She had not ventured out much beyond her “holler” except for school, and I wanted her to practice “applying for a job”.  Her parents agreed to this as long as it occurred on a school night, so Gladys could ride to school with me the next day.

At the time, I lived with my grandparents, 20 or so minutes from the high school.  Talking the entire ride to my grandparents home, I listened as she narrated all of the new things she was seeing for the first time.  When we arrived at the house, Gladys declared that I lived in a “mansion,” which gave me pause to consider what type of home she must live in. 

Once she met my grandparents and deposited her meager bag in the bedroom where she would sleep, I drove her to the fairly new Huntington Mall.  Gladys’ eyes were wide with wonder the entire drive, but when we walked inside the mall, she was beside herself. 

A shopping trip like none other 🛍️

Sounds of  “Miss Musick, Miss Musick!” followed me everywhere we walked. 

While I made a meager salary at that time, I knew I was making more than most of my students’ families brought in.  Therefore, when I could afford it, I would get items of genuine needs for my students, such as socks, sanitary supplies, toiletries, and even clothing items.  It wasn’t unusual for my grandparents to pitch in. With their help, I was able to get Gladys a couple warmer shirts (She mostly wore t-shirts.) and a warm coat for winter.  Plus, a few “fun” items: a packet of hair scrunchies, lip gloss, and a packet of  plastic bracelets that were popular at the time.  

For dinner, I took her to the Big Loafer–classic teenage food at the time–where Gladys talked more than she ate. After dinner, we practiced walking into stores and asking for job applications. It was the first time I ever noticed Gladys appear sheepish or lacking confidence in her own voice.  However, by the end, she could make her request in a clear and competent voice, even asking about interviews.

 I took the applications we gathered and made copies at school for my students, including Gladys, in order for them to practice reading and completing job applications. They also rehearsed appropriate ways to respond to interview questions.  Not that I expected my students to make the two-hour trip to the Huntington Mall to seek employment.  Rather, I wanted them to feel confident enough to apply for nearby jobs once they left high school. 

Hopeful application ✍️

Most of my students’ parents did not work; therefore, one of my biggest dreams for my students was that they would ultimately become gainfully employed and feel a sense of pride that comes from hard work.  I knew that I was fighting a difficult battle, but students like Gladys, whom I taught for two years, filled me with hope. 

Years later, I ran into one of my former co-workers who said that Gladys did indeed have a job at a local convenience store and had saved enough money to buy a used car that someone in her family helped her maintain.  

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Joy is contagious 🤓

If I close my eyes, I can imagine Gladys’ sing-song voice greeting customers and cheerily chirping her way through each customer’s purchase. Gladys found joy in doing.  As a result, her cup of life bubbled and overflowed with contagious delight. One couldn’t help but smile and feel joy when interacting with Gladys. 

Finding joy in our day-to-day tasks and the infectious nature of a smile were the two life lessons Gladys modeled.  How fortunate was I to be her teacher.