My Dad

[Amy in Vermont]

I know you guys are probably sick of hearing me brag about my dad, but here I go again. He has been selected as an example by the Harvard Institute for English Language because at age 90+, he continues to volunteer his time to help tutor people who need to improve their language skills in order to become US citizens. He's been doing this on and off for about 15 years, and loves it. So here he is, doing his thing:

http://community.middlebury.edu/~aehoffma/Images/iel5.jpg

[Chet]

Thanks for sharing, Amy, and I love that picture! Pretty girl next to him, too. :)

[soulMerlin]

I'm stunned!

Thanks:)

henry

[Dar]

That has your Dad's name on it I'm sure!!

He's worth braggin' about Amy!!

[hoops]

well cripe! brag away that's amazing!!!

[Denise]

Amy he's just adorable and wow what an extremely smart man!
You're a lucky daughter to have him in your life!
And I feel lucky that I got to meet him!
Please say hello!

[AceOn6]

I'm still interested in adopting. I know you're not done with him yet, but you could get good money renting him out <g>!!!!

[Dee]

You dad sounds like a very kind gent, Amy.

[RedjackRyan]

Brag away Amy, you've got good reason to be very proud of Dad!

[snakegrl]

Hey, Iv'e got ten bucks. Will that do?

[Lin]

Amy, brag on girl! He is a wonderful man! And absolutely charming!!! Tell him we are applauding him!!!

Lin

[Des]

That's just so awesome Amy. I take my hat off to your dad.:)

[Eva]

Nothing wrong with bragging about family. It's so nice that your father is still doing is.

Eva

[Melba]

Its wonderful that he is so active at his age. You have every right to beam....:)

[gisli]

Brag, brag, brag and be so proud of him that you just walk on clouds. So happy that you "owe" such a gentelman.

Ohh, and give him a hug and thank him for YOU, Amy........

[diver_boy]

kudos to dad for doing what he probably loves to do, helping people. english is such a difficult language - my mom has been in the states for almost 30 years, and still has a hard time speaking the language.

you're never too young or too old to learn about something. :)

[moe75]

Thanks for this post Amy. It reminds me of the time I went back to visit my Dad's old hometown a few years back. I was having lunch at my Aunt Joannie's place and she was telling me how the Scots community depended so much on my grandfather for the day to day things back in the dirty thirties. Many of the immigrants that came over before or just after the First War were illiterate, and my Grandfather would read the newspaper to them. He was also called upon to do their taxes for them as well. "Aggh your Grandfather was a very intelligent man" said my Aunt Joannie in her thick brogue.

I can understand you pride in your old man completely. :)

[geula]

Congratulations, Amy. It's so nice to read about your father. I wish him long years, and lots of prizes on, for devoting himself for others, at his age. It is quite remarkable. He certainly deserves a prize, and you certainly should be proud of him. I still remember your posting to me, about your family, and the photos you've sent me, then. I wrote you back and already then said you should consider yourself lucky and honoured to have such parents. I would certainly brag.
Geula.

[Bat]

I think he's a totally awesome cutie!! Would love to meet and talk with him, as English is my first love, too. Does he speak other languages? If not, how does he get started with getting his students to begin to understand? ah, so many questions! I'd love to speak with him!

[Amy in Vermont]

Bat,

He hasn't ever studied other languages, but he understands Yiddish, as his parents spoke it. He's been around long enough, and has always had a curious mind, so he has a pretty good understanding of words and their origins.

He uses the time spent helping others as a learning opportunity for himself, teaching then not only language skills, but other things needed for citizenship, and learns from them about their cultures.

In addition to this activity, he continues to take one or two courses a semester, swims several times a week, and spends at least an hour a day visiting with my mom. He is truly amazing!

..and he's a Janis fan!