To The Reader’s Forum:

Friday, March 2, was my first “snow day” as a retired teacher. What a strange feeling it was not to have an early morning wake up call announcing a day off of work. A snow day in itself gives educators and students an unexpected day to stay home, stay in our pajamas, hang out with our family or friends, etc.

I know that for others it means a major hassle to get to work, arrange child care, shovel out the car — it’s a nightmare. I would like to share an experience that I had that morning which will be added to my fondest memories of things great parents do. As I was in the midst of heaving the heavy, wet snow from my driveway, a neighbor who I barely know pulled up and got out of his van. He mentioned that he had two boys at home who were very capable of putting down their video games and finishing my driveway and sidewalk. We chatted about the “old days” when we were kids and couldn’t wait to get out in the snow and build snow forts and snowmen with our friends.

Personally, I love to shovel, but I saw the opportunity for this dad to teach his boys about helping others, working hard and feeling the satisfaction of doing a good job. I was in! He was back in a flash with the boys. One is his seventh-grade foster son and the other is older. I watched from my window as this remarkable dad showed his boys how to do a good job, evaluate their progress and work together. He lovingly joked with them and made it fun. When they were almost finished, I put on my coat and went out to chat with them. They were so happy and proud and asked me if their job was a good one. They did not expect to get paid, but they politely thanked me when I rewarded their efforts. I’m sure this dad knows about the gift he gave his sons that day, but he may not have any idea what a gift he gave me. Watching a father lovingly support his child’s growth and teach them to be kind and helpful to others without an expectation of a monetary reward is a beautiful thing.

Leslie Hallock

Jamestown