A+ for Apples!
“An apple for the teacher will always do the trick, when you don't know your lesson in arithmetic." This yummy fruit is historically a gift for teachers in Denmark, Sweden, and later, in the United States. This tradition apparently dates back to the 1600’s when parents paid educators with fresh produce. During this time, teachers did not receive enough salary to completely sustain the cost of living. To help them with their basic needs, compensate their efforts as educators, and also to make them feel special, parents paid the teachers with different varieties of fruit. The practice spread to the Southern U.S. and took hold in the 1920’s as the Depression hit. Farmers’ kids gave apples, the most abundant crop at the time, to struggling teachers to help keep them satiated and wielding the chalk! Because the fruit spoils quickly, the families scaled back their gifting over time to a sole apple. You can revive this thoughtful tradition and show your appreciation for your hardworking teachers. An apple Seed of Happiness for the teacher is a great way to start the school year.
Share the Smiles, make the grade!
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SPARK ⭕ A Story from our archive
1) Monday night, my sister’s neighbor was mowing his yard and he collapsed. The other neighbor ran to him and performed CPR until EMS arrived on scene. They worked on him for what seemed like forever I am sure, and he unfortunately did not survive. He was 33 years old and died of a suspected heart attack. He leaves behind his wife and 3 children. My sister has never spoke to this family before. I am sending her a smile to bring to the widow and her children because I am sure they will need it more than anyone right now.
2) My 2nd smile is going to my best friend. Her fiancé has been battling cancer for 15 months now. He is losing the battle (only has a few days to a couple of weeks left of life). They have an 18 month old. She has been sitting at this bedside since Sunday morning. She has been through more than anyone I know (she witnessed her friend dying (struck by a train) when were 16 years old). She definitely needs happiness in her life.
When I order more – I am planning on giving them to law enforcement officers. My brother LOVED his job. My brother in law loves his job currently, but hates it at the same time. I also plan on giving one to the president of C.O.P.S. Georgia (Concerns of Police Survivors-GA) who lost his daughter to a PE 2 weeks ago.
Stephanie
SPARK ⭕ Expressions in the form of a smile
The seed helped me say to her, “I can not imagine the pain you are feeling, I am here for you, and, I hope this seed will help you remember happier times, start the healing, and lead you back to happiness”.
My daughter in law is very artistic and enjoyed reading the card that Mark Borella included. I had dreaded going home after the meeting, as she and my son, had just flown in while I was at the meeting. However, Mark, gave me a way to start the conversation.
