For the Love of Books and Kids

I struggled with whether or not to read at the shelter tonight. I had to deal with transportation issues, I wasn’t sure about steps and handrails at the shelter, I wondered whether the kids might be too wild. But I really wanted to be there.

I did my driving dry-run today just to prove I was ready. I am positive no one in the next lanes knew I had a brand new hip. I didn’t weave or tailgate or do anything obnoxious. Actually driving felt just fine. But I wasn’t sure I was ready to go solo just yet.

So when I brought up the idea of going to read, my husband and I compromised on his riding along and dropping me off and another volunteer bringing me home.

The children were most interested in my crutch. They all seemed to know where one’s hip is located. They asked me if I was a grandmother, I suppose since I was now walking like older people they might know.

The theme tonight was LOVE, in honor of Valentine’s Day. We read books about love of tools, and love of cats, and so many varieties of love. Despite the emphasis on love, at one point another volunteer had to step in between two kindergartners who were ready to kill each other. Diffusing volatile situations is a skill all volunteers at this shelter need to know.

After the reading, the children made valentines for those they loved. An obviously ADD little boy gave me his valentine. He was the one who had spent part of the reading time hiding behind furniture and making animal noises.

They had sugary heart cookies for a snack, claimed their give-away book, and the hour was over once again.

Although I stayed planted in the same chair all evening, I’m glad I made the effort to go. I really look forward to seeing those kids each month.