Melissa Conrad
CNHI
RUSHVILLE —
I only had to walk out two sets of glass doors on Friday, but it was so very hard to see where I was going because of the tears that came once my back was turned. Big tears, the kind of tears that come from deep in your chest precisely because that’s where the heart is, blurred in the bright sunlight as I made it to my car across the parking lot at the Boys and Girls Club of Rush County. The realization I didn’t see coming had hit. When I walked out those glass doors I knew I wouldn’t be able to see “my” kids every day of the week anymore. I wouldn’t be there to see their newest school poster, or hear about why a new bandage covers the knee. I will especially miss the “happy to see you” smiles and the impromptu hugs just because to 5-years-old olds, grown-ups can still seem like nice, even borderline cool people. And, even the 19-year-olds in their last year as members have been known to crack a smile if you catch them unaware and they forget, even if for a moment, that you are from a more remote generation of aging adults who has surely forgotten everything we ever learned when we were their age. To join the staff of the Rushville Republican, for which I am so very grateful, I first had to say good-bye to the children at the Boys and Girls Club of Rush County where I had worked over the past year. Leaving those children’s daily lives is so very, very hard. Of course, I will be able to go back and visit and volunteer, but there is so much that goes on, on a daily basis, that they will grow and change before you can almost blink. All children have a way of doing that, don’t they? And, let me share with you parents of Boys and Girls Club kids, their grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, neighbors and community — let me share and affirm that we have very special children in Rush County and it has been an honor, a privilege, to have spent this time with them. We have reason to be proud of Rush County’s youth and the future they represent. We are so fortunate to have a place for our children to go after school in Rush County — with so many tremendous facilities like two gymnasiums, locker rooms, an art room, a computer lab and library, a room for high school kids and a fairly decked-out woodworking shop (although I haven’t had lesson one in there and don’t know much beyond how to use a hand saw, which I do fairly poorly). The Boys and Girls Club is exactly what communities need in their quest to raise happy, fulfilled and entrepreneurial kids who will be our leaders of tomorrow. We, all of us, need to support this place for our children and young people because it will be and is to all of our benefits. Whether it is through becoming an investor in the Sponsor-A-Child program at $225 (or more) or giving a single dollar as several of “our” children did last year to help, you are needed because this Club is needed. Maybe you can volunteer and help with homework after school, or coach a team, or hold a flashlight during a Club dance, or give a talk about your job. Know that whatever you have to give is needed here, at home, in our community and in this place. Your time will be so very well spent. Remember though, I did caution you that these children will find a way into your heart, so I can’t guarantee the commitment will come without sadness when your time there is done. Just being there can make all the difference to one (and even 1,000) children. So by this past Monday, I had dried my tears and started back to work with grown-ups on a daily basis. Yes, I know this in no way assures I will experience grown-up behavior; however aged we may all be. To all “my” kids, please know that you matter; know that a scraped knee will heal; remember to use nice words with each other; care when someone’s feelings are hurt; dream big and be willing to work hard but know that it is worth it; give back; and smile, everyday, even if for just a moment. Know most of all that you, each of you, are in so many of our hearts. Be everything you hope to be. I will miss you so very, very, very much. And, I will be back to visit. Pardon me. I need to wrap this up because things got a little blurry again. Readers, I encourage you to the Club and tell them you will help. William Walker may be reached at the Boys and Girls Club of Rush County, Inc., 1590 N. Sexton St., Rushville, and IN. 46173. Phone: 765-932-2765. E-mail bandgclub@rushdsl.com. Website: http://www.rushcountybgc.org. In closing, a personal note to Jan Voiles in heaven, because she could reside no place else: I will not and cannot ever fill the shoes you have left, whether it be here at the Rushville Republican or in all that you have been to this community. I can only follow in your footsteps and try to share the many things we shall see and meet and discuss along the way for whatever time each of us has here. Jan, you made this community better because of what you gave and who you were; we can each only hope to do our portion with whatever ability each of us has to give. Thank you for leaving such a beautiful path for us all to follow. Until we meet again.