Re: GM

Personally, I wouldn't worry so much. They have common sense, they have parents to look after them--when you're not there they will get along fine. They will have lost a wonderful person from their lives but they will still live. The chances of them being picked up by some evil, wicked person who means them harm are slim really.

I think I understand though. You've come to care for them a lot and so you are worried about them and all the bad things that could happen to them out there. Well, that is very touching and I feel very happy for you and the children who are lucky enough to have you as a friend.

The only down-side is that when you finally have to go, there will be a lot of tears all around. In some jobs you will be trained to remain aloof from the children to avoid this problem. I think the pain is worth it though.

I know what you mean about trying to follow the rules. It can be very tricky sometimes to know what is allowable because some parents have pretty strange rules about what their children are allowed (or not allowed) to do! I got in trouble once for suggesting to a child that it was ok to re-use a paper cup the next day. Apparently this was a big no-no because you can't wash a paper cup, and nasty germs might grow on it in the meanwhile! Never heard of that one before.

I think it's great that you share your heart-warming story on the board here. Simple happy stories like this I find very uplifting. So thank you.