Banyan Tree Education

There's something about muscle memory. I can still picture those hours playing ping-pong with my dad, when he'd transformed our dining room into a game room on Shore Road in Old Greenwich back in the 1970s. I would be in my nightgown, staying up late, and Mom would yell, "Bob, she has to go to bed!" Dad and I would laugh and reply, "Just one more match!" By thirteen, I was getting pretty good, although Dad was always much better. However, he taught me about topspin and to serve with a punch. I'll never forget the one time I beat him. He didn't like it, but he was proud.

Yesterday was the first time I'd played in 45 years. It was a birthday party, and I was paired with a stranger, albeit thankfully, a nice one. Soon, my muscle memory kicked in, and I felt, in some ways, I was back in my dining room, because some shots returned. However, others didn't, and I missed many! However, I improved with each game, and when we finished, I hoped to play again soon.

With only one parent still alive, I find that random memories resurface more frequently. They remind me how much those experiences have shaped me. And, even my muscles have been "shaped" by life experiences, like my ping-pong muscles - albeit I need to strengthen those!

I was reminded this week that we all are beings that crave love and deep, faithful commitment. People clearly want confirmation that it exists and that there's hope. My 93-year-old father-in-law waxes about his 67-year love for his Joanie, as he anxiously waits for her to return. Our daughter Sarah, who posts regularly, adores her grandparents but had no idea that "Birdie" would become an overnight sensation. While I usually post about teaching, the bottom line is that it's always about spreading goodness, kindness, and love. (And kids need this just as much both inside and outside the classroom.)

TikTok · im.mathes 448.6K likes, 2469 comments. “ he is perfect”