Day 1249

Gus made a visit to Walker in the morning and Ranger and I headed to Oxbow Elementary to read with first grade classes. Our middle Golden charmed the seniors while our “Golden Oldie” captivated some energetic seven-year-olds! Both returned home tired and happy!

At the elementary school, I am asked to read a book aloud to the individual classrooms, have a short literacy discussion and then the students get a moment with Ranger. Interacting with the children as they walk by to pet our boy is my favorite part. You never know what they will say!

Today, one little boy looked me right in the eye and asked, “Are you the best read alouder in the world?” I checked for any hint of a lack of seriousness and then said, “Why, thank you. That is kind of you to say. I doubt that I am the best, but I am glad you think so!” (He made my day!)

I realize that I am far from the “best” in any endeavor I pursue. Sports, crafts, teaching, dog training…the list could go on forever. Being the “best” has never been my goal. Watching the Olympics, listening to a piano virtuoso or reading a Newbery Award winning novel convinced me of that l-o-n-g ago and that is absolutely fine with me.

At the risk of sounding trivial or insincere, I honestly only try to be the “best me.” Having said that, I often fail at that quest and take a hit to my self-concept. That’s OK though…I like a good challenge and becoming the best vision of “Me” SHOULD take a lifetime,

Be the best YOU in the world…only You get to be the best judge of that!