Two Sheroes For Our Kids

Sylvia Mendez: Education Equality Activist 

Epic Athletes: Simone Biles 

     When she was eight, Sylvia Mendez and her parents and brothers moved to a farm in California.  For her father, a naturalized citizen, being his own boss was a big step up from being a field worker.

        There were two schools near Sylvia's home.  She yearned to go to the nice one with the playground.  But because she was Hispanic she was relegated to the separate and far from equal one.

     Her father, Gonzalo Mendez, wasn't going to accept inferior educations for his beloved children.  When talking to the principal and school board didn't work he took the school board to court...

     ...and that was only the beginning.

     Parents and children will be inspired by Jim Klein's fine narrative.

     Simone Biles was born into a precarious household.  Both of her parents were drug users.  When she was three she and her siblings were reported to child protective services and put up into foster care.

     Fortunately when it was decided that Simone's mother could not regain custody her grandparents were able to adopt her and her little sister.  Her grandmother enrolled her in gymnastics as an outlet for her boundless energy...

     ...never guessing that this was her first step on the path to Olympic gold.  

     Kids who are really into gymnastics will enjoy and be inspired by Simone's story.

On a purrrsonal note, I had an amazing weekend.  We spent it at camp.  It was sunny and breezy out with hardly any mosquitoes.  I spent most of my time in the rocking chair on the porch.  I read 2 1/2 books.  Heavenly.  Eugene and I also did some walking.  We found delicious wild blueberries.  Eugene grilled hamburgers for supper.  On the way back we stopped at his mother's house where I visited and crocheted.  We also stopped at the Hampden Hannaford where I found Halloween ghost marshmallow Peeps.  You know how much I enjoy them.  I've also heard rumors of Christmas and Valentine's Day Peeps.  Life is sweet. (Jules)

And now my people are home.  Life is sweet. ( Tobago)

A great big shout out goes out to Eugene.

Tobago and Jules Hathaway 

Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone