She was young,
but she had a dream
to cut herself free
from the stigma of family
substance abuse,
poverty, and
hopelessness,
if only someone would give her scissors
and show her how to use them.
A teacher said,
“You can do it!”
So she applied for a training course,
wondering how she’d pay for the tool kit
or pay for the rent to live in another town.
“We’ll write letters!” said the teacher.
“It’ll work out!”
Community groups responded to her letters
and her impressive resume of volunteer activities
with cheques in hand.
“You’ve helped this community.
We want to help you achieve this dream.”
The billet said, “Would you work off
your room and board in chores?”
And suddenly the impossible
was happening.
Shining new scissors sliced her past away
and cut open hope
for her future.
.
.
.
True story. Apprenticeship programs offer kids real skills and credits for professional training and high school credit. Some times there are barriers for kids to take advantage of the opportunity, but where there is a will, there is a way. The school is there to help kids achieve their dreams, after all. Thanks to the service clubs who make a difference, quietly meeting needs in their communities: Lions, Rotary, Royal Canadian Legion, Elks, Kinsmen, Oddfellows, and the like. Today is a particularly good day in my world.
Shawn L. Bird 
Reblogged this on Hey Sweetheart, Get Me Rewrite!.
Awesome post Shawn, it offers hope to so many kids in need.
I am so excited today! The object of it all isn’t here to get the news, so I had to write a poem. 🙂
Sounds like you had a great day. Thank you for sharing this poem, it was wonderful. 🙂
I did. Thanks!
I agree with Dom. I always enjoy reading about these ‘success’ stories. They really fill one’s heart with hope and promise.
Not long ago, a female student who was in a bridge program came to our Rotary club. She was about to start an apprenticeship, but until she did, she had no way to live. She’d escaped an abusive situation, was trying to start a new life, and needed a job, transportation to school and rent for one month. Two of our Rotarians (both retired educators) met with the young lady, spoke to the college instructor, and did their due diligence. Everything she said was supported. They liked her attitude and reports of her effort. In one meeting, we found her a new place to live, a ride to her classes, a part-time job, and money for groceries. She suddenly had the bridge to make it over a hurdle, that would allow her to reach her goals. How many people stay stranded on the shore, unable to reach their dreams, because they need a boost? There are lots of groups out there willing and able to lend a hand, but we don’t always know who needs the help. It’s the best part of being in Rotary, knowing that these little things can make a huge difference.
This is a wonderful example of the way humans ought to be. Thank you so much for sharing.
My pleasure!
Reblogged this on On The Way To There and commented:
The effect of the selfless in this world ❤