The Apple

My grandfather joined us on one of our families trek's up to watch my brother swim at Fredonia State University. I was in high school and I didn't really want to go. After a lecture from my father about how to keep Mom happy I fell in line. Because if Momma isn't happy, nobody's happy!

Unbeknown to me, my parents planned to stop on the way there and pick fresh apples. How could they do this to me. We spent about an hour filling bushels of apples and piled back in the car. My grandfather kept a few in his flannel pocket. He polished the apple and handed it to me. With his pocket knife he carved slices of his apple and ate it right of the flat edge of his knife. I ate mine in large chunks, right down to the core.

The thing that strikes me is how vivid I can remember this, how I wished that apple didn't have a core. This was not an ordinary apple, it was one I was sharing with my grandfather, one that he had picked and hid in his pocket for us to share on our adventure to see my brother. To this day every time I eat an apple I think of that day. To be honest, I've tried to think of a story about my grandfather all week and this one will not leave my mind. It was meant to be shared.

You see, you never know when the memories you will recall 20 years from now will happen. I'm sure many of you, like my children, and myself, have many fond memories of your grandparents. I think of all the things my children get to do with their grandparents, and how much it will mean to them 20 year from now. I encourage them to always spend time with them, I invite them to share our special moments with us as a family.

This week we have the opportunity to shape some special moments for our students and their grandparents. I encourage you to make this opportunity special for all your students, you see when are emotions and attitudes about school are filled with excitement our learning and memory becomes incredibly strong.

An Apple A Day,

Mike