“Children are our greatest treasure. They are our future.” Nelson Mandela.
Cambridge has a beautiful public pool. It was the happiest place on earth this summer. I still feel the warmth of the smiling faces of my fellow swimmers. Families enjoying being together on a Sunday. The echo of “Marco Polo’ being shouted by a group of school-aged children, the line to go down the slide, and the small children jumping off the side of the pool into the arms of a trusted adult.
Steve Rideout has a reputation as a trusted adult who cares about children and knows that they are our future. Mr. Rideout is the new Mayor of Cambridge.
Several years ago, I taught 4-year-old children at a local preschool. One day I arrived at school only to learn that the young father of one of my students had been shot and killed. This tragedy had a huge impact on this sweet little boy. Upon his return to school, he began “shooting” his classmates, actions that occurred after his Dad’s death. Our school immediately mobilized a Kindness curriculum, and I introduced guided meditation. Every day my students lay on the carpet and practiced breathing like tigers and mice or whatever animal was their favorite that day. A piece of rose quartz crystal (for love) was placed on each child’s chest.
For three minutes, I would tell a story about my class having a great adventure. One of their favorites was a story about the children flying over Cambridge in a hot air balloon. I would direct their mind’s eye to see our school, then the Choptank River, and of course, Cabin Fever, their favorite place to play downtown. It was such a joy to see those peaceful little faces during the meditation. We finished our session by sitting and tapping our thumbs to each finger, reciting, “Peace begins with me.”
I witnessed the positive changes in the behavior of my class after this “centering’ activity.
Mayor Rideout has promised to bring positive change to our city by taking a proactive approach. Prevention and Education are the keys to making Cambridge a safe place for everyone.
Kate Emery General is a retired chef/restaurant owner that was born and raised in Casper, Wyoming. Kate loves her grandchildren, knitting and watercolor painting. Kate and her husband , Matt are longtime residents of Cambridge’s West End where they enjoy swimming and bicycling.
Linda Chandlee says
Thank you, Kate Emery General. I felt so hopeful on the election of Steve Rideout as Mayor. Yours is a beautiful reflection on a subject no child should have to face.
Steve Rideout says
I also thank you for your reflection and look forward to walking this road of prevention, early intervention, and improved education with you, the rest of our community, and others who will join this effort. Alone we may not succeed but together we cannot fail
Maris Wicker says
Thank you for this wonderful reflection.