The Wise Novelist

Mrs. Lucas’ First Grade Class – Love Makes The World Go Round

How can one resist a request like this?

Friends of ours, Jaysree and Jimmy Whitelaw, live in upstate New York. I met Jimmy back in the early 70s through our mutual friend, Denis “Murray” Collins. Indeed, both Murray and Jimmy (who went by the nickname “Schwartz” at the time), as well as Jaysree, all made it into FJM as characters.

Later on, Jimmy and Jaysree moved to Riverdale and Lisa and I spent a lot of time socializing with them. Our oldest children were about the same ages.

Indeed, J & J are one of the few couples from back east who have made the trek to Casa Claire and met Claire.

Anyway, recently Jay, who is a retired school counselor from this school, circulated a flyer from Mrs. Lucas, a first grade teacher at the same elementary school in Kirkwood, New York, asking people from around the country to send a card or memento from the 50 states and overseas, as part of the “Love Makes The World Go Round” Valentine’s Day class activity:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Love-Makes-the-World-Go-Round-Valentines-Class-Activity-10962424

Well, I mentioned the flyer to Lisa and, of course, it became another one of Lisa’s post-retirement projects. She went out and brought a cute Valentine’s Day card, a Colorado Postcard, some Colorado stickers for the kids and some cute Valentine’s Day related children’s books and then two boxes of Valentines Day Welch’s Fruit Treats for the kids. And also a stuffed Moose toy.

We also put in a photo of Claire for the kids. It really is her sweetest looking photo.

But then Lisa realized that we hadn’t put anything in for Mrs. Lucas. After all, she was the one who made the effort on behalf of her students. So Lisa had me inscribe a set of the first four books of The Claire Saga and include them for the teacher.

We explained that the books were too old for the first graders but hoped that Mrs. Lucas enjoyed the read. She could share the broader themes of family and loyalty and love that appear in the books. It will help her put the photo of Claire in context for the kids. And off it went to USPS for delivery next week.

Well, the reason I am mentioning this in today’s blog is that I hope that maybe one or more of my fine, five readers will post a Valentine’s Day card to Mrs. Lucas’ First Grade Class at the above address to add to the existing numbers of cards, and the fun and excitement for the children. You don’t have to pull a Lisa, a simple cute or funny Valentine’s Day card will be more than sufficient. It really is the thought that counts. If you pop it into the mail over the weekend, or even on Monday, it should reach Kirkwood NY in plenty of time. You see, the more states that participate, the better and more exciting it is for the kids.

Well, it’s Saturday, so that means I’m onto my weekly food prep and Claire & Honey related chores.

But first a kitty cuddle and my rounds.

Oh, and yesterday, Ground Hog’s Day, was overcast in NoCo, so I hope we have a very short remainder of winter ahead of us.

And, no matter what we all get up today, let us make it a great one.

8 Responses

  1. How are the choppers thus “morning after?” Looking forward to the arrival of my “Mister Puke-as” re-inscribed replacement set of the Claire Trilogy… That was very kind of you, T. Have a good, solid Saturday….

    1. You know what they say, Petey, a little pain let’s you know you’re alive. And Claire and I are truly honored to have a spot on the top shelf of your Library.

  2. I’m in!! They’ll get one from North Dakota! I just sent one last week to a second grade class in Kingston NY where my friend grew up! I remember trying to collect post marks from all 50 states when I was a kid!

  3. Mine is already on the way but I feel like a slug having only sent a card.
    Way to go Lisa. The kids will get a charge out of that box👍

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