Adopt a Grandparent

By Grandchild Adel Elzaine

Good morning grandparents, Council man McMahon, Dr. Papler, Ms.Cicero, Ms.Hill, Ms. Ruzi, Ms. Refano, and all of the staff in the Richmond Rehabilitation center. I am excited to be present here and speaking here. I, Adel Elzanie, and my fellow peers are here from Adopt a Grandparent to share our final last memories until September. Adopt a Grandparent was creation of our student council members. Once this program was created, it was sponsored by Council McMahon’s Civic Kids. We could not have been here if it was not for him.

This year, the program started off with the creation of the hundred penny book. This box contained a pen to write there memories inside a journal and a deck of cards to play with. The hundred penny box was inspired by a book called “The Hundred Penny Box”, by Sharon Bell Mathis. The book is about a boy, Michael, whose great-great aunt owned a hundred penny box. Every birthday, she would put one penny inside it. Each penny possessed precious memories. Michael was very attached to her aunt and loved her most, like we do with our grandparents.

Now the hundred penny box was supposed to recall the journeys that the grandparents they had experienced. It was also created to recall the memories that we spent with each other. For instance, can you remember when we gave Rose the box? Do you remember how exited she was? Or, remember when we first talked to Rocky and discovered the similarities we had. Remember the time we decorated the shirts? Then we decorated the clay. Remember how fun it was and how beautiful I came out? Also, remember when did not want us to leave because of the fun we had. Finally, remember when I saw Anna. I remember when I came into the room and saw everybody. I remember when I saw, what I call the grandparents shinning face. What a precious memory for all of us when we met! However, I must stop now for I, along with my other peers shall reveal the quilt dedicated for the grandparents and meant for us to share a hundred memories. (Reveal) All of the squares represents special events that we shared or was in their journeys. We will donate this quilt to the Carmel Richmond Rehabilitation center. We should cherish these moments and keep it fresh in our memory. The last word that I shall speak about we have endured. These people were Reveren Bill, who stayed with us for six years, Bella, who stayed with us for 2005-2006 and our former principal from I.S. 49, Ms. Lamb. Sorrow and sadness filled me when I heard this terrible news. If they were all here, what a joyful event this could have been if they were here. What an event this could have been if our former principal was present. She could have seen the children of I.S. 49 where she once was, giving grandparents some thing to do in a nursing home. It would delight her even more if she saw us entertaining her. However, no matter where they are, we shall always stay happy because all of them will always be in our hearts.

I would like to end this by thanking everybody for being here and listening to what I have to say. It was a huge honor to be talking here. I would like to thank Ms. Ruzi, Ms. Refano, Council man McMahon, Dr. Papler, Ms. Cicero, Ms. Hill, the Rehabilitation center, and most of all, the grandparents for giving me a sensational time sharing memories and having a fun time. I am sad for our losses and sad to leave all of our grandparents. However, we will always be with all the grandparents and try to entertain you. Everybody, have a great day and grandparents we will see you soon.

Thank you.