Archive for 4. August 2009

Down Memory Lane

4. August 2009 by admin.


I have a very fond memory growing up and I want to share it with you. For starters, let me introduce to you my Second Grade teacher from Christian Life School in Rockford, IL. I have recently reconnected with and it has been such a huge blessing! Her name is
Miss Caroline Seabaugh.

by Miss Seabaugh:

“My first year teaching Second Grade in St. Louis, a very dear Nun who taught 4th grade had my class and her class learn and recite the poem, “God Forgive Me When I Whine”…little did I know that it would become my favorite poem and have so much meaning. Every year I would teach my little people that poem and have them recite it any time they had an opport
unity. Another favorite of mine, was “Little Boy Blue” by Eugene Field. I never missed teaching that to all my Second Graders and when I came to CLC in Rockford, IL it was part of the curriculum”


Miss Seabaughs favorite memory of Barb:

One of my most favorite memories of Barb, was her sweet smile and her gentle spirit. She always had questions and she could always melt my heart with her sweet innocence. I loved the times we laughed together. She left footprints on my heart that is still there today.

By Barb and my favorite memory of Miss Seabaugh:

Even though I was very little I remember Miss Seabaugh loving being a teacher and loving the kids! One day after school, she took me to the mall shopping, we ate some dinner (even though I can’t remember what we ate) and she took me to church later that night. I thought that was the coolest things a teacher could do! She is still really cool today!

I wanted to share the poem with you that I have NEVER forgot. She taught that to us in our classroom and it really impacted me even into my adult life, I hope it blesses you as much as it did me:

God, Forgive Me When I Whine
Today, upon a bus,
I saw a girl with golden hair.
I envied her, she seemed so gay,
And I wished I was as fair.
When suddenly she rose to leave,
I saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and used a crutch.
But as she passed, she gave a smile.

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two legs, the world is mine.

I stopped to buy some candy.
The lad who sold it had such charm.
I talked with him, he seemed so glad.
If I were late, it’d do no harm.
And as I left, he said to me,
“I thank you, you’ve been so kind.
It’s nice to talk with folks like you.
You see,” he said, “I’m blind.”

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two eyes, the world is mine.

Later while walking down the street,
I saw a child with eyes of blue.
He stood and watched the others play.
He seemed not to know what to do.
I stopped a moment and then I said,
“Why don’t you join the others dear?”
He looked ahead without a word.
And then I knew he couldn’t hear.

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two ears, the world is mine.
With feet to take me where I’d go.
With eyes to see the sunset’s glow.
With ears to hear what I’d know.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine
I’ve been blessed indeed, the world is mine.

Author: Red Foley

Posted in memory, poem, mentors, teachers | 1 Comment »

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