Feeling Lucky

By Brandon

5th grade Oak Grove School, Brattleboro, Vermont

I woke up knowing it was my first day at the Gathering Place. At first I was scared to go and to be with the elders because I am very shy. As the day progressed I was anxious to go and get back as soon as possible. As I was in the car I had my doubts. I think Nick did, too. We arrived at the big white building. and I was finally seeing that we had only one day a week for eight weeks. Then as I was walking in I was a little shy at first. I noticed that the elders were just as shy as I was.

As Nick and I sat down I, I'm sure we were thinking the same thing."Boy, it sure is quiet in here." When we went around the circle I was thinking that all the people looked familiar to me... all but one. When that person turned I heard him say his name.."Joe." After the discussion ended I was feeling good about coming back ...I think Nick was, too.

I walked over to Joe and sat down. I told him my name was Brandon and he said his name was, "Joe". Then the lady that worked there said,"In two minutes we'll be taking a walk." I went over and got my coat. As we walked I asked Joe about his life. I asked him when he was born and when he moved away from his parents.He told me that he was born in New Jersey. He also told me he never went through High School. He lived with his parents until they died. I also met Betty W. She was nice and funny. Soon Nick and I were really comfortable at the Gathering Place.

For my Intergenerational Project I chose to interview people at the Gathering Place. When Kim and I went there we interviewed Joe. I was excited but I think Kim was having her doubts. As we interviewed Joe I was learning lots of new things about Joe and his life. He told us what life was like when he was a kid.

After interviewing Joe, we interviewed Rita. As we were interviewing Rita I didn't know that she only had six more weeks to live. When I found out that she had died I realized that it was her time to go and see her older sisters and brothers. I also realized that life was a long and great adventure ...and when you die, it ends and another one begins. Rita helped me see the importance of life. When the Intergenerational project ended I was feeling sad. I was also feeling lucky, lucky for being able to experience this wonderful project.

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