2 posts tagged “manners”

I found out today that my old junior school headteacher has died. The wonders of facebook meant that I could see that he passed away at 85 just a few days ago, something that I wouldn't have otherwise known.

Mr Herbert, obviously known as Mr Sherbert and not so obviously known as Hedgehog, was the kind of headteacher every school should have. The school was warm and we were all encouraged to be polite to each other and to visitors and although I attribute some of the good manners I have to a good start at home, I firmly believe that the reinforcement of those values at school was what really imprinted on me.

Visiting the school after I had left, I was made well aware that the same system was in place with doors being held open for me and the pupils walking with order towards their destinations. It was like coming home.

I passed on those values of being well mannered and helpful towards others to my children and have often had comments from people about how polite they are, which is a terribly sad state of affairs. Being polite shouldn't stand out. It's increasingly obvious that not everyone had a Mr Herbert showing them the way.

The 'What Are You Thankful For' QOTD appeared to be aimed at those celebrating Thanksgiving, so I ignored it. The questions stuck in my head though and I have found myself wondering just what I am thankful for over the last few days.

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I am thankful all my children and my siblings' children are healthy

I am thankful that when S was hit by a car a few years back, that all he did was bounce on the bonnet and then over the roof of the car then jump right up when he hit the tarmac. I had had such a bad feeling when he left for school that day, and the phone call I got about it made my heart shrivel. The driver who hit him had a massive dent in her bonnet and all he got was some bruising and grazes - he was a lucky boy that morning.
(The driver stopped, asked if he was alright, expressed remorse that she'd been doing over 40mph in a 30 mph zone, she was late getting the kids to school etc - then drove off without leaving her details - the witnesses were too worried about my boy to get them, which is all good. I personally hope the bill for the bonnet was great and that she learnt not to speed anymore)

I am thankful that when my children are deeply moody, I can still remember that they are incredibly witty and funny and that quirkiness will soon come back.

I am thankful that the one grandparent I got to know was as loving as any grandmother should be and that even though I lost her too soon, that her memory is still burned inside me for all time.

I am thankful that I know my family and extended love me - some of them have been fiercely protective of me when I was with the children's father - I should have listened, but then I wouldn't have my kids.

I am thankful that the twins were not only non identical, but the same sex. Being the twin brother of the only girl out of four could have been tough.

I am thankful that seem to remember the things they have been taught about respect and manners for a majority of the time. It's a sad state of affairs when you are surprised every time someone compliments you on their good behaviour and use of P's and Q's - everyone should be like that anyway.

I am thankful that I got to meet KT - although he annoys the heck out of me at times, the comfy times are good and the good times are just brilliant.

I am thankful that the kid's dad didn't have the bottle to go through with any of his death threats - though he scared the heck out of me for more than two years.

There are other things, but this blog would kinda go on forever if I sat here typing down everything I though of, so that's all folks!