One year ago, I sat at an Abydos/NJWPT conference in Austin, Texas, listening to Mark Spilman accept a $1000 grant to build a library for homeless children through his church. I turned to my friend Kathy and said, "I want that money next year. I know exactly what I will do with it!"
Fast forward to this past weekend. The conference was held here in Dallas, and this year, I was the recipient of the $1000 Reese/Corder Memorial Grant. With this money, I am creating a literacy library through the Texas Mentor Network. It was one of the most amazing experiences I know of...standing in front of peers, coworkers, principals, superintendents, and many other education professionals from Texas and beyond to accept this grant. The best part was that Andrew, Luci, and Nadia were there to share in this with me.
The Texas Mentor Network is a foster care agency -- make that THE foster care agency because that is the agency that helped Andrew and I become a family. Just over three years ago, our phone rang with the words, "Abbey? It's Anji...we have a baby girl for you." Luci Helene became a Rosenbaum. Seventeen months later, Nadia Raye was welcomed to our home and our family. August 6, 2008, Andrew and I went to court to make us "Four"Ever Rosenbaums.
Abydos Learning (formerly the New Jersey Writing Project in Texas) quickly became my teaching "religion." It's not a program; it's a vision. It's the way to teach writing to kids. I adopted the philosophies in my classroom, and I saw the students' writing literally take off! Because this is a resource that I value so highly, I studied to become a trainer in my district (Richardson ISD). Basically, I can "teach teachers how to teach writing to their students." I am a proud member of the Abydos family.
So I applied for the grant, and I was named the recipient. At the luncheon, I read my application letter through many, many tears, and I graciously accepted the check! Andrew and I decided to name the library "The Lucia Library." Putting the girls' names (Luci and Nadia) together seemed fitting. It is a way to honor our daughters, and it is a way to contribute to the Texas Mentor Network to show our appreciation.
We (read: Abbey) decided to do a blog so our friends and families who aren't in Dallas can follow along on this incredible journey on which we are about to embark. I've never done anything like this, so wish me/us luck!
With love,
Abbey, Andrew, Luci and Nadia
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Abbey, you have a great family and the foster agency is fortunate to have you as one of their advocates. You may have never done anything like this before, but from the time I spent with you Friday at lunch I know you will intuitively know. If I can help you in any way, please let me know.
ReplyDeleteGrace and peace,
Mark Spilman
Abs,
ReplyDeleteYou have approached this the way you approach everything...with intelligence, warmth, planning, and, above all, love. I wish you every success. What a wonderful tribute to our beautiful Luci and Nadia.
Love you,
Aunt Susan
Abbey, we here at Abydos Learning International are so proud of you and what you are doing not only for your own children but for the children of others--through this grant and in your classroom. I look forward to checking this blog often and hearing your progress.
ReplyDeleteJoyce Armstrong Carroll, Ed.D., H.L.D.
Abbey,
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing project! Thank you for seeing this need and applying for the grant for funds to do something about it. I look forward to following the project and seeing the lives of these children blossom from the seeds books plant in their lives.
Jodie Smith, Abydos Trainer
Abbey,
ReplyDeleteI think of you often for inspiration and want to thank you for being there for all the students and children you influence and teach daily. Your project is a superb plan to help those who need it most. Thank you for sharing your story and plan.
Roy
You rock. We are so proud of you, ARPP, the girls and all you have accomplished!!
ReplyDeleteSo, when do we get to go shopping for books?? Can't wait. You know how I love to shop, especially when I'm not paying.
ReplyDeleteOn a more serious note, what about book donations. My mother, the queen of pack racks, has bookcases of books in her house. Granted some are adult romance but there are lots of books from when we were growing up. I don't think that Dr. Suess has changed that much.
Proud of your for developing this vision and developing this wonderful library, and for many other reason as well. That is enough showing emotions for me; don't want to turn you into a complete emotional wreck :)
Love ya (I lied, deal)
Congratulations! What an incredible achievement and undertaking this is. Wishing you lots of luck!
ReplyDeleteSarah Compton
Congratulations on receiving the Reese/Corder Memorial Grant. The Lucia Library is a wonderful concept and a fitting tribute to Luci, Nadia and the Texas Mentor Network.
ReplyDeleteYou continue to daze and amaze the many people who are lucky enough to be in your circle of family and friends.
Love,
Aunt Jane (FAJ) and Uncle Lou
My wonderful daughter Abbey, I am so very proud of you.What you are about to do will mean so much to so many children. Naming the library after Luci and Nadia is so fittng and done with much love. Even though I am far away I will help any way I can. You are a very special person and I am proud that you are my daughter. With all my love, Mom
ReplyDeleteI am not surprised you have ANOTHER vision to do something GREAT!! You are amazing! I am so blessed to call you "friend." Please let me know how I can help...I would love to be a part of this incredible project!
ReplyDeleteLove ya lots!
Laura Roberton