[nukkad] - GRADE 'C' OR GRADE 'A' -

[Mable Monteiro <MableM@microland.co.in>]

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I was one of those lucky children for whom learning came easy. So,
when I became a parent, I naturally assumed that if I read to both
of my children faithfully and offered them fun, educational
playtimes, they would follow in my footsteps. They, too, would learn,
retain materials and receive all as I had done.

Amanda, my first child, was right on target. She learned quickly and
earned  good grades. However, even though I practiced the same
method with my second child, Eric, I sensed that life would be a
challenge, not only for his teachers, but for Eric and myself
personally.

I did my part for this sweet, loving youngster who was never a
discipline problem for anyone. I made sure his homework was complete
each night, kept in touch with his teachers, and enrolled him in
every assistance program the school had to offer. But, no matter how
hard he struggled, report cards with C's were met with frustration
and tears.

I could see his discouragement and feared he would lose all interest
in learning. Soon I doubted myself. Where had I failed my son? I
wondered. Why can't I motivate him to help him succeed? I felt if he
didn't excel in school, he would be unable to create a life of his
own or support himself and perhaps a family someday.

Eric was a sixteen-year-old blonde when my eyes were opened. We were
sitting in the living room when the phone rang; a message that my
father had suffered a massive heart attack and died at age
seventy-nine.

"Papa" as Eric had called him, had been such a part of my little
boy's life during his first five years. Since my husband worked
nights and slept days, it was Papa who took him for haircuts, ice
cream and played baseball with him during those earlier times. Papa
was his number one pal.

When my father left and moved back to the town where he grew up,
Eric was lost without him. But time healed those wounds. Gradually,
he came to understand his grandfather's need for old friends and
roots of the past. For Eric, phone calls and visits from the
grandfather he loved became a way of  life. And his Papa never forgot
him.

When we entered the funeral parlor, I stood in the doorway and
looked at my father, so still, so unlike the man I knew. My children
were on either side of me. And I felt Eric take my hand as we walked
up to his grandfather.

We shared our moment together then took our places on the side of
the room as hundreds of friends filed by. Each person shared
sympathies and memories of my father's life. Others just touched my
hand and walked away.

Suddenly, I realized Eric wasn't beside me. I turned to look around
the room and noticed him near the entrance helping the elderly in
need of assistance with the stairs or the door. Strangers all, some
with walkers, others with canes, many simply leaning on his arm as he
led them to his grandfather to pay their respects.

Later that evening the funeral director mentioned to me that one
more pallbearer was needed. Eric immediately said, "Please Sir, may I
help?"  The director suggested he might prefer to stay with his
sister and myself.

Eric shook his head. "My papa carried me when I was little," he
said. "Now it's my turn to carry him."

When I heard those words I started to cry. I felt as though I could
never stop. From that moment on, I knew I would never berate my son
for imperfect grades. Never again would I expect him to be someone I
had created in my own mind, because that individual I envisioned was
nowhere near the fine person my son had become. His compassion,
caring and love were the gifts God had blessed him with. NO book
could have taught him these things.  No degree framed behind glass
would ever convey to the world the qualities Eric possessed.

He is now twenty years old and continues to spread his kindness, his
sense of humor and compassion for his fellow man wherever he goes.
Today I ask myself, "What difference do science and math grades
make? When a young man does the best he can, he deserves an 'A' from
the heart."

Contributed by: Steve

TELLING OF GOD'S ASSURED LOVE!!!

with warmest regards

May 
Microland, India
email : mablem@microland.co.in
Tel : 91-80-571 1104
Fax : 91-80-571 0566
url : www.microland.net

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