Yesterday I had a WISP author visit at Harry Miller Middle School. After accepting the invitation a month ago I felt moments of doubt and apprehension. The Pandemic put a stop to my fairly busy author visit schedule and there has only been a trickle since . Realizing the energy it takes to engage for a full day of presentations I was worried I might not have the stamina I used to have. I was concerned the students wouldn’t care about what I had to offer. I also really like staying home , having a leisurely breakfast and going to my office to write. But I donned my professional attire, put make up on and headed out the door long before I would normally get out of bed. I was warmly greeted by the school secretary , the Vice Principal and the Principal. I was escorted to the lovely bright and welcoming classroom where I would be presenting all day. I met the enthusiastic teacher who would coordinate my day and the first group filed in. In seconds I kicked into teacher and author mode and most of my fear dissipated. The first thing I always try to do with a manageable number is learn all the student’s names. As hard as that might be it is so worth it. As always there was a name or two that gave me trouble. The names were as lovely and as unique as each child but some harder to pronounce than others. And as usual I messed a few up and completely failed at a couple. I kept calling Selena , Serena until I finally wrote it down and referred to my paper before saying her name. When I happen upon names that are the same as my own kids or grandkids those names resonate with me. Yesterday there was a boy named Zac and two girls named Paige. I met a lot of kids yesterday and I enjoyed every minute I spent with them. They were eager and interested and passionate about reading and writing. They gave me every bit as much as I gave to them . Each presentation had its own energy and emotion. The kids asked questions and allowed their own personalities to shine through. They accepted my story and gave me their attention and their compassion. I showed up and they showed up. Thank you Harry Miller Middle School!
One Zac and Two Paiges
