|
|
The views expressed on this page are soley
those of the author and do not
necessarily represent the views of County
News Online
|
 |
The Robinson Chronicles
I Don’t Dance
By Bob Robinson
Since I retired from the Early Bird my schedule has become more hectic
and complicated. And fun. In other words, I thought I was busy before…
now I know what the word means. I’ve lost track of people I’ve talked
with who share the same stories… “I retired and then I got busy.”
There is a difference, however, on which I think all will agree. I love
what I’m doing, so it isn’t work. Right? I felt that way as a
journalist for 50 plus years… when I no longer felt that way, I knew it
was time to retire. My avocation (something I did on the side because I
loved doing it) has now become my vocation (what I do to earn my
living… and still love doing).
“Mr. Robinson… you’re in the news. I see you in the newspaper.” No
more, buddy. I’m not in the newspaper anymore. “Aw… why not?” I want to
spend more time with you and your classmates.
He liked that.
I’ve been on one campus or another every single day since Feb. 1.
Working with kindergarten, first and second grade students, then high
school students and adult learners and back again to first and second
graders can be a challenge, but I think it keeps me young. As young as
a Grumpy Old Man has a right to be, I guess.
I’ve written about the creativity and skill of our teachers. I was a
substitute recently in a first grade class that blew me away… the
students had been taught a “brain teaser exercise” (or something like
that). It was a long, somewhat complicated exercise and it worked both
the body and the mind. The teacher told me the students knew what to
do… Did they ever!! I stood there in awe as nearly every student in the
class went through the entire routine to perfection.
I loved it!
Remember the pre-K student I wrote about, the one I was tutoring a
couple years ago? She “bounced off walls” when she decided she was done
working? She ran away from me once – setting off an alarm in the
library – because, as she put it, she could.
You wouldn’t know her today. She’s in first grade and the model of good
behavior. I commend her teachers – this year and last. She’s still one
of my best buddies… she gets her hug every time she sees me.
Last week she was having a tough time. The school was having a dance
for the students who made the right choices and got their work done. I
was a chaperone and she was one of the students…
It was loud - I mean really loud (I was considering turning my ears
off… I’d already moved them to the lowest sound level possible) – and
she came up to me with a sad look on her face, hands covering her ears.
I took her into the cafeteria where many of her classmates were
working… she wasn’t any happier there. After all, she’d earned her
“dance,” even if she didn’t like the noise.
So I went back to my duties and she tagged along… holding onto my hand
for dear life.
“Mr. Robinson, why aren’t you dancing?” I shook my head. “Hmph!” she
said, and danced away.
One of the “Giggle Sisters” came up and grabbed my hand (the one that
wasn’t already taken). “Dance,” she said. I shook my head. “Hmph!” she
said, and left.
Two more students came up… “Mr. Robinson! Why aren’t you dancing?” I
looked down at my ‘attachment.’ She was staring up at me, one hand now
covering one ear, the other ear buried against my side. Her eyes said
“No!”
I looked out on the dance floor. Other staff members were having a
great time dancing with their young charges. Ten years earlier? I might
have made a fool of myself. Not now. At 71 I couldn’t think of anything
more ludicrous…
I shook my head again. Sorry, Sweetie, I said. I don’t dance. “Hmph,”
she said as she made a face and walked away.
|
|
|
|
