When I was growing up, my Dad died when I was seventeen and a senior in high school. My brother Jack was 15 years old and a sophomore. Jack was rather strong minded but he listened to his father. When Bucky died, Jack launched a steady stream of defiant actions against the "establishment". He skipped school. He even landed in jail a couple times. But you see, deep down Jack knew what was right and wrong and when he turned 17 he begged his mother to sign a document that allowed him to enter the Navy. He was a model Navy enlistee. He made a special honor guard awarded only to the best cadets and he took courses to finish his high school course requirements. When he left the service, he approached the Plymouth High School administration to get his high school diploma. As I recall (because I went with him), they refused to grant the diploma and they insisted he get it by taking the GED tests. Of course Jack's response was "go chase yourself". So Jack never got his GED and I know deep down there were times he wished he had.
What has this got to do with anything? Well there is a rumor that a young lady in Sheboygan named Dano has desired to take the GED so that she can get certification of high school equivalency achievement. Sometimes you need a gentle push. Someone other than mom. That is because mom's always push. That encouragement came from a very special Uncle (and Aunt).
A little bird told me that Dano studied very hard preparing for the GED battery of tests. I believe there were four "units" she had to take covering everything from math (yuk) to general science.
Believe it or not, I know what scary is! Scary is having to go into a room, be given four separate units of tests and be judged on how well you answer the questions. What if you fail? What if? What if?
I think Dano knows the significance of get the GED. Jobs open for high school graduates that don't open for "non-graduates". She also knows that she can pursue more courses and more college type cirriculums. Dreams can be pursued.
Dano passed! She passed all the GED tests. She has satisfied all high school requirements. Let the dreams begin. There are no limits and as Dano will find, she can achieve anything she wants.
Her mom cried. Honey cried. Paul cried. Dano cried. I admit to a "glassy eye".
Dano, a door has opened. Step boldly through it and show the world what you can do!
Love,
Chas.
4 tests was a good number....but to acheive the GED, 5 tests total were taken.
She did good! She learned herself, that she is not "stupid" because of the label that the Sheboygan school system placed on her for years while attending. She is very smart and if she is left to do as she enjoys, Danielle is as sharp as a tack. This morning Danielle is still smiling. I am so proud of her and so thankful I have the Best brother (brothers) in the world!
You know I never felt so good about myself then I have in the pass two days of my life. My Uncle paul keeps saying that it was all me he didn't help at all. But if it wasn't for Paul I probably still wouldn't have my G.E.D... He was there anytime I needed help. He gave me alot of faith and support. I don't care what anyone says but if it wasn't for him being there I really wouldn't have this G.E.D right now. Thank you so much for your help and support. Ha, it may have taken me a couple extra years (2 extra years) but I'm still the first great grand child and the first grand child to graduate.... I GRADUATED!! WOOHOO!