Every visit is a little different. Different setting and of course different children. 

Today was no different. 

Several weeks before my visit I received a special delivery from Lucas, a grade three student at Whitevale. He delivered a package of letters, that his class had written to me after hearing The Rocking Chair Rescue. I can’t tell you what joy filled my heart that day. As I read through the letters I thought, this is what it is all about! 

Thanks in part to Dallyce, I called the school and set up an appointment to speak to Grades One through Three. You see in his letter, Dallyce had asked me to come and visit his school. How could I resist? 

So, with letters in hand, the rocking chair and the original pictures loaded into the back of the car, along with a surprise for the kids, we headed for the school. The room was a bit smaller than the others had been but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The table with the original pictures was set up against the wall to save space. Therefore we would not be sitting behind the table as we had done during the other visits. We now sat right in front of the children, up close and personal. 

Mrs. Low the Librarian and Kindergarten teacher sat in the rocking chair as she read the story to the children. When she got to the part about Davey gently leading Kathy out of the yard I could see several of the students checking the picture Mrs. Low was showing, against the original picture on the table. I could tell the kids wanted to interrupt but they resisted the temptation. After that, they paid very close attention, I suppose they were wondering what other surprises they might discover. 

When the questions did start, one of the first asked, wasn’t a surprise. 

"That picture isn’t the same as what’s in the book," one child pointed out.

I was impressed that they picked up on my little trick. I then went on to explain why it wasn’t the same. 

During the first author visit one girl, who really wanted to know how old I am, ended up asking my mom how old she is. That was the first time mom had been asked a question. It wasn’t until this visit that she was asked another question, this time by Mrs. Klassen, the grade three teacher.

"How do you feel about what your daughter is doing?" 

Mom very eloquently explained how proud of me she is and said that this (writing) came along at a time in my life when I really needed it. Explaining that because there aren’t many places that would hire me, it is a real blessing to be able to do something worthwhile and, that I can set my own schedule. 

Let me just say here that it is wonderful to be able to work with (and in a sense, for) my mom. Over the years I have worked with my mom many times, but it was never for very long at any one time. I hope this venture will span many years. 

One question really surprised me, "Do you give autographs?" 

Never in all my life would I have thought I’d be asked that question. When I answered, "Yes I do," the young man almost jumped out of his skin. Who would’ve thought it?

The only downside to the afternoon was that my special delivery man, Lucas, was not in attendance. I was told that he was home sick. Lucas I hope you feel better soon, we missed you! 

I believe mom was as surprised as I was when one of the teachers pulled out a camera saying, "We want this for our slide show."

Wow, autographs and pictures! 

That’s when mom got our camera and took a picture of them taking a picture of us. 

Before I knew it, our time was coming to an end. Everyone gave a warm round of applause and then came time to say good-bye, but not before I signed a piece of paper that would be photo copied for who ever wanted it. A couple of girls brought their own camera so we posed for more pictures. Then after a few hugs the children filed out of the room as quietly as they had filed in.

I’m always a little sad to see these visits come to an end, the kids are always so wonderful. I want to take them all home with me!

I'd like to thank everyone involved for a memorable afternoon, Ms. Alberto, grade one, Ms. Graber, grade two, and Mrs. Klassen and of course Mrs. Low for a marvelous reading of the book. Thank-you all! J