"Old age hath yet his honor and his toil." (supplement, crying)

[Escort Rider]

Old age hath yet his honor and his toil.
Death closes all: but something ere the end,
Some work of noble note, may yet be done,


Tennyson, from "Ulysses"


Here is a little true-life story. Two and a half years ago at one of the elementary schools where I volunteer, I noticed a fifth grade boy who stood all alone at recess and at lunch. Upon talking to him, it turned out he had just arrived from England where he had been home-schooled. He was totally lost and totally overwhelmed by the crowds of children. So once a week (I am only there once a week) I would talk to him. After a couple of months that was no longer necessary, as he had begun to talk to and be with other children.


Then the following year he was in sixth grade at the middle school where I also volunteer once a week. I encouraged him to participate in lunchtime chess, which he did. He had also signed up for the drama class as his elective, and I saw him perform in front of the school in their little skits and plays, doing very well and obviously loving it. Naturally I complimented him, congratulated him, and continued to encourage him.


Now he is in the seventh grade, and I learned that he had tried out on the open market for a paying role in a production at a local theatre. He got the role. There are five adult actors and about six child actors; among the latter he has the lead role. I went to see one of the performances, and was just blown away by the fantastic job he did. Naturally I told him so. It was so gratifying to me to note the wonderful blossoming of this boy, who still retains a certain mild shyness.


Then a week or so later at school I lent him "The Death of a Salesman" to read, after determining that he is interested in that sort of reading.


Then the following week, just three days ago, he approached me at lunch with a wrapped gift. It was a paperback edition of a Tom Stoppard play. On the inside cover he had written:


"Dear Mr. Escort Rider, thank you for all the support you have given me over the years. You were the first one to get me interested in literature back in 5th grade, and now I want to return the favor by giving you this. Merry Christmas! (name of student, name of school, and date)"


I almost cried when I read that, and of course I expressed my deep thanks and appreciation for his gift and his thoughts. I am the most fortunate person on the planet to have an opportunity to do things like this. I am not smart enough to cure some disease or invent a longer-lasting light bulb (remember that line from "Saving Private Ryan"?), but this is something I can do. I have found my niche and at age 73 I am firmly occupying it.

[jaminhealth]

ER..nice story. I have helped some friends with supplements over the last 10 yrs or so and helped a friend back East get on the thyroid support that her doctors were not getting her. I have years of experience with my own health and then I got her on grape seed extract and that was 10 yrs ago or so. One day I got a thank you note from her and a check for $150 she wanted me to have for all the help I've directed her to... and for her improved health. I almost tore it up but she wanted it for me...so I thanked her and used it.

I just love to help people improve their health as I've done my own work for decades...

And I want to thank you for your patience and answers on the CBD oils etc.

Now I keep preaching on the importance of bone supports so we don't break bones with all the falls the aging do now. Just talked to a friend who is 80 and she feel again the other day...she's a docent at palm springs museum and loves what she does but has been falling. Her balance is off.

[galaxyhi]

Escort,

And here you were worried about your life being over because you were automatically given the senior discount over the phone!!!

See, you CAN still make a difference!

And you are never to old or too "man enough" not to cry.

Good job and a pat on the back.

Maybe there IS hope for the younger generation.

[LookingatFL]

What a lovely post. You truly have found your calling and employ your talents well.

[Lastfire]

Escort Rider,

I am crying now after reading your story. Nothing is more important than reaching out to children. I thank God for people like you.

[matisse12]

I'm impressed that a 5th-6th grade young man and now a 7th grader has become interested in literature and plays of the great playwrights.

I think that is a great and important contribution to the world!

....helping a young man to know literature and plays, and the young man following forth in reading of more literature and plays, and acting.

[Clemencia53]

You know what ER, I think I might go to our school and see about volunteering.

I am a sub, but have only had a few slots. It would also help me get an idea of how the school operates so I can be more comfortable there.

[Bette]

Your one act during his first year changed this young man's life - for the better.

Thank you for doing what you did.

[Lodestar 77]

You are a blessing to many, ER. Thank you on behalf of us all.

[Lodestar]

Don't you just love it when you see a chance to make a difference and it does? So many times we never get to know but once in a while we are gifted with evidence that a small act on our part has helped another person. I think most people need that now and then. Keeps us willing to give.


Thanks, E.R.