August 24, 2010

Going outside the box

Posted to Phil Giessler

Today my wife told me she “stepped outside the box.” Meaning, she did something she previously would not have done or would have been comfortable doing before. As she drove into Tim Horton’s to pick up donuts for our two grandchildren, an older looking and very discheveled man was walking down the street. Parking the car, she entered the restaurant with the children and asked them how they would feel if she would offer to buy donuts and coffee for the man. They agreed and waited patiently while she walked to the street and talked to the man. He followed her back to an outside table where she suggested he sit and she planned to take him the food and then sit inside with the girls.

Inside she ordered and delivered the food and he offered his appreciation. Then, ordering the food for the girls and herself, she decided she would make the effort not only to feed the man, but to talk to the man, thinking he might not have many conversations during his days. The girls were shy and remained fairly close to grandma. The man’s hand were very dirty, his long hair and beard were dirty and he did not smell like the people the children were used to. But, the three joined the homeless man at the table and began a memory.

Grandma began a conversation with the man, while sharing coffee and donuts, and asked him if he would mind answering some questions. She proceeded to discuss why he was walking, where he had been, was he homeless?…where did he sleep at night, and very personal life living questions. He spoke perfect grammar, very kindly and willingly, and for a few moments they were friends. The children may have seen that there are different kinds of people in this world and we do not all have easy lives …the girls being so young may have seen nothing.

When they readied themselves to go, after exchanging first names, he put out his filthy hand to shake hands with my wife. One second of uncertainty and she held out her hand and gripped his and then they parted.

I hope something was learned today. I know my wife learned something and was very changed by the morning coffee. (She asked could she get him anything else? He said, “do they sell tobacco in there?” instead he settled for another donut.)

Posted by:  Phil Giessler


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August 17, 2010

School starts soon

Posted to Phil Giessler

Time is drawing near for children to return to school. Years ago school began after Labor Day, but today’s schools seem to start much earlier. In Ohio, most begin the last week of August. Many families are already beginning to feel the stress and drama that school presents. While many children go of to school with no problems, there are children who have great difficulty leaving home, leaving mom and siblings, knowing they will not see each other for hours.

There are suggestions on the website to help both parents and children. Simply type into Google; School worries, or school is beginning, or stress with the first day of school. Some helpful sites are: www.kidshealth.org or www2.scholastic.com.

Parents are worried about the teacher who their child may be assigned to, children worry that they may not have friends. Remember, we are all in this together, we all have children or grandchildren taking these very important steps so talk to each other. It helps to know that there are few out there who are not experiencing this anxiety. Relax and know that most worries never happen and it will be ok. Have a safe and fun school year.

Posted by:  Phil Giessler


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August 16, 2010

Still time for fun!

Posted to Columbus Attractions, Phil Giessler

We are nearing the end of summer! Still lots to do, so do not stress. Sunday night, August 8, residents were treated to a concert on the Green in downtown Olde Worthington. The Ohio State University Alum Band preformed to the crowd of people and did their best to ready everyone for another, hopefully, successful football season. Now more concerts are planned so check them out at www.worthington.org for their schedule. If you are looking for last minute get-aways before the school year starts, Cedar Point and Kings Island are just a few hours away from Columbus/Worthington, Ohio and are sure to put smiles on your children’s faces and yours. The Columbus Zoo, which remains open all year and the water park is great fun  Not to be missed is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and, while you are there, you might want to attend one of the Cleveland Indians’ Baseball games.  Have fun, school starts soon.

Posted by:  Phil Giessler


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