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The views expressed on this page are soley
those of the author and do not
necessarily represent the views of County
News Online
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Kids Day at The
Great Darke County Fair
By Bob Robinson
Monday was kids day at the Great Darke County Fair, so naturally I
focused on kids. Big kids, little kids… mostly happy kids. Twenty
photos; 28 kids. Maybe a third of them were “my” kids… substitute
teaching, former Edison State students, Empowering After School
(tutoring) program.
Most were there to take advantage of cheaper rides; others were still
working: cows, goats, pigs. They were having just as much fun as their
counterparts on the midway.
“Excuse me, how did you do today?
“Good.”
“Can I take a picture of you and your animal?”
“Nope.”
Strike one. He was evidently a young man on a mission. Or something.
“Excuse me, can I take a picture of your kids. They look like they’re
enjoying themselves.”
“Sorry. We’re in a hurry.”
Strike two. Mom hurried, calling for the kids to keep up with her.
Then there was the little boy I caught staring at me. Sparkling blue
eyes were wide open. Unblinking. Staring. Piercing as only a nine or
ten month old baby can pierce. I glanced down at my shirt to make sure
there were no holes or big black marks in it. If I’d had a mirror I’d
have checked myself for blotches on my face…
“Excuse me, can I take a picture of your baby? He seems to be really
interested in me for some reason.”
Mom smiles, but dad shakes his head. “No. We’re fine,” he said.
Strike three. Good thing I’m not playing baseball. Those, however, were
the only “strikes” I got after about two hours of wandering around the
ag barns and the midway.
“Mister Robinson!” She rushes up for a hug. I remember her from
kindergarten when the hugs were at my kneecaps. A couple years later,
she’s a couple years bigger. Kneecaps are history; now it’s around a
waist that’s bigger today than it should be.
“Bob!!” A former Edison State student and her daughter. Group hug! I
remember them well. Mom was in my Communications class. It was a summer
session, so with permission, she brought her daughter with her to
class. Can’t remember what grade the child was in, second, maybe third;
I only know she was sharper than some of my college students. Her
writing skills were definitely a step above most of them.
I looked at her. “You still the smartest kid in school?” The child
blushed. Mom said, “Yes!”
“Mr. Robinson… Don’t give my mom an A unless she earns it, but I really
hope she gets an A.” That was a line from one of the many letters she
wrote to me while sitting in the back of the classroom. Another one
said I was “the best teacher ever!”
Yep. She’s a smart young lady.
Time to wrap it up and head out. Final photo… grandchild Bella, sister Sophia and their two friends. They took time out from
standing in line for the next ride so the old man can take their picture.
I’m on my way out.
“Mr. Robinson!!” Second grader from Greenville. Had to take the
picture; still heading toward Gate 5 where I’m parked… “Mr. Robinson!
Mr. Robinson!!!” Another second grader… same class? I couldn’t
remember. I also couldn’t leave without another picture.
I handed out CNO cards with every photo except the last two… I’d run
out.
“Can you remember county news online? One word?” Mom repeats to
herself, then nods. I had my fingers crossed all photos turn out; seems
my camera is old and tired these days.
Yep! They all turned out. Enjoy!
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