Freedom of Want

We’ve all seen the Norman Rockwell depiction of the iconic Thanksgiving table – Grandma putting the big bird on the table with Grandpa looking over her shoulder as others look at the table with anticipation of devouring the well-cooked fowl.  That painting was made in 1942 and published inThe Saturday Evening Post.  This painting is actually called Freedom from Want, and is part of a four-part series of paintings by Rockwell.  He was inspired by FDR’s State of the Union Address in 1941 that outlined his Four Freedoms (later to become The Atlantic Charter).  In Roosevelt’s speech to the nation he said, “The third is freedom from want – which, translated into world terms, means economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants –everywhere in the world.”  Fast forward to 2014 – just not so. There is tremendous “Want” in the world.  A want of the basics – food, clothing, and shelter. A “Want” of heating and cooling, peace, fresh drinking water, love and too many others to list. 

How about those who come through our doors?  For the last week, we have distributed turkeys and bags of groceries to some of our school families because of “Want” (actually, “Need”).  This was possible because of generous donations of time, talents, and treasures of others.  Know that on a daily basis, we have a large number of kids who come to us in “Want”.  You may not know that by looking at them.  “Want” comes in many shapes, sizes and degrees.  It is more than just hunger, proper clothing, and adequate shelter. Maybe it’s the kids who just can’t seem to make friends; or don’t know how to. Maybe it’s the girl who just received her first pair of non-hand-me-down shoes and nobody noticed.  Maybe it’s the boy who didn’t get a “Good Morning” that day…or week…or month.  Maybe it’s the kid who is aching for someone…anyone…to tell them something positive.  In all of this, my point is to keep establishing positive relationships with your students.  That is paramount to success in teaching. Recognize your kids; in turn, they will recognize your recognition….because they “Want” it. We have a good thing going here. Let’s make our own “Rockwell” version of Freedom from Want.

------------------------------------------------

The Browns travel to Buffalo this weekend to face the Bills in a “must win” situation. Buffalo – the same city with 67” of snow during the week of November 17^th…shovels packed.