Page 21 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2017- Online Magazine
P. 21
What Can I Do? By: Cheryl Goforth
I remember when my Dad It was sending cards and writing under 2 minutes from start to stamp.
found out that he had macular letters that became a joy to him Can you imagine how you might be
degeneration. The doctors began because it kept him thankful. able to touch someone having a rough
treating him with a method that It helped him to think of others day by sending them a note that says,
preserved his peripheral vision but instead of thinking of his own “I love you” or “I’m so glad you are my
completely destroyed his central personal loss - such a simple friend”? It is not the volume of words,
vision. New treatments became activity that yielded amazing but the depth of the words expressed.
available within the next few benefits. The written word forged a nation,
years that would have saved him I recently received a personal sent armies to battle and insured
from losing his central vision, but handwritten note in the mail from peace. Still today, the written word of
unfortunately it was too late, the a local business. Needless to say, God offers life, wisdom, consolation,
damage had already been done. I was impressed. In our age of encouragement, relationship and
He had to give up driving, but e-cards, emails, texting, etc. there direction. Granted, our words may
there were few other activities or is still nothing as meaningful as not carry the weight of a nation or the
work that ceased. He continued to a letter or card in the mail that saving of the world, but we can offer to
counsel his clients and even wrote someone took the time to write one person through our written words
letters of encouragement and with their own hand. the healing salve that just might alter
sent cards to just about everyone Today, I did a little experiment to the course of a difficult day.
he knew on their birthdays, see how long it took to write and Never underestimate the power of the
anniversaries, Christmas and non- address a note of encouragement. written word.
occasions. I found that a simple note took
Illustration by Sam Ayers
Sam Ayers taught elementary students
in Alamo Heights and Lubbock ISDs. He
served as principal of Hardwick and
Roscoe Wilson Elementary Schools,
Hutchinson Middle School and Estacado
High School. Sam also served as the
Assistant Superintendent for Elementary
and the Associate Superintendent for
Teaching and Learning in Lubbock ISD.
He currently teaches future elementary
and secondary teachers and future
principals in the Lubbock Christian
University School of Education. He
carries a sketchbook everywhere to record
thoughts and images and creates a few
art pieces each year. Sam is married
to Karla (a Lubbock native), and they
have two grown daughters and five
grandchildren.
Samuel J. Ayers Ed. D.
Distinguished Practitioner in Residence
Lubbock Christian University – School of
Education
Lubbock Senior Link 21
