Diego

Diego is a Kindergartner who needs extra help learning his numbers.  Wayne usually volunteers on Wednesdays with both the morning and afternoon Kindergarten.  The morning teacher asked him if he would be willing to come in everyday just to help Diego.  Wayne is there just an hour but it has been a big help to Diego.

Every day, Wayne comes home beaming about Diego's progress.  Diego can forget by the next day but Wayne is his personal teacher and has a knack with him....in fact he has a knack with all of the Kindergartners.

When Diego misses a number, Wayne (aka Gramps) touches the number, rubs it and then touches his lips then his head and says the correct number.  Now, when Diego misses a number, Diego does the same with his finger.

Diego had a big day the week before Christmas break--he was asked to lead the class with counting to 15! He stood there beaming and made it through to 15! Wayne was watching and beaming too.

After two weeks off, Diego is back with his private tutor, relearning his numbers. He slips once in awhile and says it in Spanish.  Wayne corrects him and thanks him for teaching him Spanish and Diego loves it.

It is heartwarming to say the least.  I am so grateful that Alison two years ago suggested Wayne to volunteer at the schools.  It has brought him out of depression and given him unconditional love of so many children.

When we drop off Grace at Kindergarten, often either Grace or several of his classmates ask Wayne, "Are you helping today..please?"  When we go to the store, we always are greeted with "Gramps!" or "Grandpa Wayne!"  And you know my hubby walks on air when he hears those words.