October 28, 2018

The Rose That Was Left Behind   ©Tracey Grumbach

Dear Driftwood,


I think you will be happy to know that I am teaching again. You were always a bit sad when I chose to be a stay-at-home mom all those years ago because you thought I was throwing my degree away. Life has a funny way of coming full circle and recently I have come back to what has always brought me great joy...teaching.

The other day I was teaching an iPhone photography course and after explaining something about the native camera app my student looked me in the eye and said, "The price of taking this course was totally worth it just for learning this one thing. I've had an iPhone for over 2 years and didn't know that!" It totally made my day. I love watching the expressions on my students' faces when they learn something new. Their eyes sparkle, their jaw slackens, and their face glows. That "a-ha!" moment is my reward for all the long hours of planning, organizing, and teaching. It brings me indescribable joy to know I made a difference in someone's understanding of the world.

Later that same week I was teaching a class of senior citizens how to use their iPads and iPhones. After class, one of my students stayed and asked for help in how to make audio and video calls from her iPad. When we finally finished her impromptu lesson and getting her set up on Facetime, she looked and me with the biggest grin and said, "My son in Arizona will be so excited I finally know how to do this.  It will help us stay connected."  Of course, my heart swelled and I almost teared up for the joy it brought me. I didn't realize it at the time, but I am helping these seniors stay connected to their loved ones in world where they feel left behind. It is such a small thing to do...to take the time to teach someone how to do something, but it can make a huge impact in their life. I'm so blessed and grateful to be a part of that...a part of helping people feel less alone in the world and more connected to family and friends.

Well, that's all for today. I've included a digital art piece I created from my original photograph. I call it The Rose That Was Left Behind. I hope you like it.

I miss you.

Love,
Me