There's No Place Like Home

"There's no place like home."  A man by the name of Dr. Larry Klein used the well-known quote from the Wizard of Oz in an essay that was published on NPR's "This I Believe."  Being home was extremely important from a very personal perspective.  I never met Dr. Klein but yesterday, I met his daughters, his sisters, and his fiance' .  They returned to Bowling Green to celebrate his home being named "The Larry Klein Home."

Confusing? Let me try to explain. After reading  Dr. Klein's essay and talking with his daughters, I knew that he was determined to live a rich and full life despite the fact that he had a disability.  Indeed, he was a remarkable man. 

He passed away last year.  After his death, his daughters contacted Wood Lane Residential Services, Inc.* about their father's wish that his home become a home for others who happen to have a disability. 

Yesterday, residents living in his home formally thanked Dr. Klein and his family by dedicating and naming  their new home "The Larry Klein Home."

The link to his essay on "This I Believe" is http://thisibelieve.org/essay/11159.

After reading his essay and seeing the photos, I think you'll  gain a glimpse of his courage and vision that will ensure that others will also realize that "There's No Place Like Home."  Thank you, Dr. Klein. . .


*Wood Lane Residential Services, Inc. provides community-living options and supports for individuals with a developmental disability.

What's Really Important?

Last week I attended two graduation/recognition celebrations.  One was for my son and the other for our students graduating from Wood Lane School.

 

Success!  Smiles!  Pride!

I felt proud for my teenage son who is moving on to high school.  I was honored to witness the graduation celebration for our students at Wood Lane School.  I think that when we participate in such a milestone, we reflect on what was really important in the venture.  As parents, teachers, family, and friends, we were partners that helped mentor and guide these individuals to new opportunities.

Today, more thoughts crossed my mind.  I haven't always embraced what it important.  I sometimes felt too busy.  I didn't have time for what I thought was nonsense.  I couldn't understand what was so hard about getting the homework done (although I admit that there were moments when I couldn't figure it out either!)  

But it's important that I am a good teacher, mentor, and "cheerleader."  I may be the person who makes the difference in someone else's life.

 

Congratulations to all graduates!  And, thanks to everyone who took the time to make the world a better place - one kid at a time.

 

One Hundred Years From Now

Author: (excerpt from "Within My Power" by Forest Witcraft)

One hundred years from now
It won't matter
What kind of car I drove
What kind of house I lived in
How much money I had in the bank
Nor what my cloths looked like
BUT
The world may be a little better
Because, I was important
In the life of a child.