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New neighbors, a birdhouse, and the sweet sound of children by Riney Jordan
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everal years ago, I spoke at the commencement service for about 100 women who were receiving their high school diplomas. These women were incarcerated in the women’s unit at one of our state penal systems.
“Riney, you have a visitor,” my wife announced.
I’ll never forget what the principal of this rather unusual school told me.
“It’s for you!” she exclaimed. “I knew you loved birds and when I saw it, I told my mother that we had to get it for you.”
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As you might imagine, I was elated! The gift was wonderful, but even more beautiful was the kindness and thoughtfulness shown by a child to another individual. And that smile on her face showed how much joy she was receiving, too.
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A few days later, I had all the children meet me at a tree between our houses.
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“I wanted to hang this where both of our families can keep an eye on it,” I said. It was obvious that they all overwhelmingly supported this suggestion.
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She said, “You know what the women in this prison tell me that they miss the most about being locked up?” As I struggled for the answer she simply said, “The sound of children.” I’ve often thought about that statement over the years, and have come to realize that a world without the sounds of children playing and laughing would, indeed, be a sad and dreary place. Recently, a new family moved next door to us and shortly after they were settled in, I heard the sounds of children out in their front yard. Now, I don’t know about you, but there is nothing I enjoy more than conversing with children. I mean it. I absolutely love it. I love their perception of things, their choice of words and their honesty. And upon hearing them, I rushed outdoors to meet them. “Hey, guys. Welcome to the neighborhood!” That’s all it took. All three came running over to meet me. I would later learn that the oldest boy was 10, the sister was eight, and the little boy had just turned three. It didn’t take long to realize that these kids were sharp! They loved “Star Wars,” (which always seems to be an indicator of brightness) their vocabulary was amazing, and they were interested in everything! Now, whenever I walk outside and they spot me, it’s, “Hey, Mr. Riney. What are you doing?” One day, we heard the prolonged ringing of the doorbell. My wife went to answer it, and a few moments later, she accompanied the young girl back to where I was comfortably resting in a recliner.
A big smile was on the face of the young girl as she stepped from behind and promptly handed me the cutest little red, white and blue birdhouse I’d ever seen.
I visited with the mother of the children one evening, and she asked about the birdhouse. I told her I loved it and was so pleased by her children’s thoughtfulness. “You probably don’t know that our daughter spent her own money on the birdhouse. When she spotted it, she immediately told me that she wanted to buy it for Mr. Riney, because he loved taking care of the birds.” That revelation made it even sweeter. Now when I see that patriotic little birdhouse, gently swinging from a limb between our houses, I pause, and thank God that there are children in the world. I am truly grateful for the joy that they bring. And, like the women who were imprisoned, there truly is no sweeter sound than that of children laughing, talking, and bringing hope to those around them. We simply must pause and listen and be thankful. In schools, we are blessed with the opportunity to hear those sounds of happy students every day. Don’t take it for granted. It’s one of the perks of the profession that is truly priceless.
RINEY JORDAN is the author of two books and a frequent public speaker. To invite him to speak at your convocation, graduation or awards banquet, visit www.rineyjordan.com.
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Texas School Business SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2017
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