Last Saturday was a family-filled day for me. An opportunity to reconnect with some members that I don’t get to see as often as I would like. This kind of day renews me and reminds me of how much I have to be thankful for.
The day began with a 5K event in Westerville for the Central Ohio Spina Bifida Alliance. A large group of folks gathered together to walk in honor of Simeon Lee Smith, one of the newest members of the Worthington Schools family. Simeon is the most adorable, fight-for-a turn-to-hold-him, soak up all his baby goodness, son of 
Greg and Mary Evelyn Smith (library media specialist at Liberty Elementary). He is one of the strongest little guys I know and is probably nearing a milestone in his life where he has spent more time out of the hospital than in it. Although Simeon was born in May, he was a member of our school family long before his debut. How cute is he??!!
I didn’t actually take a count, but I believe that there were between 40-50 members of “Mr. Simeon’s Mustachioed Dashers” participating in Saturday’s event. Several of them were Smith family relations, but the majority of this group was comprised of current and retired staff and their family members from Liberty, some parents and students, library media specialists from across the district, and one central office administrator. I know that Mary Evelyn was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, but hey… that’s how family rolls! We’re there for each other and embrace opportunities to show our support. It was a beautiful fall morning and it was a great time of friends, fellowship, and family as we walked (aside from the younger, healthier Boulware duo who ran) the trail to raise money for this worthy organization.
The afternoon was spent with my nuclear family, doing laundry, running a son to work, and other typical “family” things. Comfortable time with those we love and know best. I have to admit that when the boys were younger, there were times when it felt like our definition of family was “a locally independent organized crime unit.”
Saturday evening I decided to pick up dinner for Mom on my way to spend the night with Dad at the hospital. On my way, I came across a stranded motorist (with a smoking car). Now I am not typically one to stop and help a stranger on the road (too many “stranger danger” stories from my police officer son), but I noticed the Granby Gator magnet on the back of the car. There was no way I was going to leave a member of our Granby family stranded! So I stopped, introduced myself, and made sure help arrived. Motorist tip… If you travel the northwest quadrant of the school district often, a Granby Gator magnet is better than AAA! Just saying…
When I arrived at the hospital, Dad said to me, “You don’t need to stay with me sweetie. You should be home with your family.” To that I replied, “What do you think YOU are?” Mom, Dad, and my older sisters… my first family. What he didn’t realize is that I had already spent the whole day with family… extended family.
family –
Two or more people who share goals and values, have long-term commitments to one another, and reside usually in the same dwelling place
An association of people who share common beliefs or activities
At Granby, we have a special school song to “We Are Family.” It emphasizes the Granby virtues and what ties us together. It’s pretty special to hear 440 children and their teachers all singing this together at an assembly. But what’s even more special is to see it in action. At Granby, we ARE family!! And we are part of the Worthington Schools family! Walking the talk…
A fine, fine family in A Fine, Fine School in a fine, fine district!! Rock on Worthington Schools family! You’re the BEST!!
A Fine, Fine School! 