12/16/13 Maxon Rimel, age 7 and Justus Shotts, age 9 are best of friends. They attend Webster Elementary School together. Like most children this time of year they are looking forward to Christmas and what Santa might leave for them. However, Max’s mother is interested Max learning about the true meaning of the season.
“I want Max and his friends to learn what an “act of kindness” is all about,” stated Christy Tolson, Max’s mother. “I think it is so important for them to learn about the purpose of unselfish giving. They need to know the satisfaction that unselfish giving brings to others and to our selves. I want them to learn about doing the “little things” that can brighten someone’s day.”
With that in mind, Tolson who is an assistant chef at Miller’s Senior Living Community arranged for the boys come to visit the assisted living facility one day after school where they would read to the residents. The boys chose favorite Christmas books from the public library. They arrived with books in hand and Santa hats topped their heads. There they paired up with the “grandma’s” and “grandpa’s” and began to read. To those looking on it was a lovely scene reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting. The boys were on their best behavior as they read the stories in their clear, strong voices. These young boys learning about self-less acts of kindness did indeed bring smiles to the residents’ faces. And brightened everyone’s day! After the experience both boys agreed they had a fun time and they would like to visit and read to the residents again.
Photo:
1. Maxon Rimel reads to Miller’s Assisted Living residents Helen Hollett and Katie Kaminski during the supper hour.
2. Miller’s Assisted Living resident Annie Minker enjoys listening to Justus Shotts as her reads a favorite book.
