"Since I do not have children of my own and was young, myself, when my nieces and nephews were growing up, I am not used to interacting with children and was a bit apprehensive about volunteering with 1st and 2nd graders. So, it was very surprising to me to see how outgoing and accepting the children actually were of ME, while I was apprehensive of them. Often, some would simply walk up and hug me, or want to take my hand as we were walking through the hallway—things I’ve seen them do with other volunteers, as well, but which I was moved by, nonetheless"
"But one experience which particularly touched me soon after arrival was when one of the 2nd grade girls asked me if I lived with someone. I replied that I lived alone because my husband had died, which brought on other questions of whether I had children, why did my husband die, etc. My next time at school, the 2nd grade teacher told me that the girls were planning to surprise me with cards because of my husband’s death. She wondered how on earth they would have known such a thing, and thought she should warn me in case I might be disturbed by this. When I got to class, one of the boys proudly announced, “Miss Betty, the girls made cards for you!” which promptly brought on a rebuke by one of the girls in return. Sister then allowed them to each present me with their hand-made, colorfully decorated cards with hearts or flowers on which they each wrote simple, but much-cherished notes of sympathy because my husband had died. Little did they know how they revealed the presence of God to me."
-Betty Ytzaina
St. Cecelia’s Grade School