National Adult Literacy Database

May 4, 1998

Gladys Farrell

My name is Gladys and I am twenty eight years old. I was born in Little Bay, Burin Peninsula, Newfoundland. I got my start at the Rabbittown Learners Program and now I am very pleased to be enrolled at the Atlantic Construction Training Centre in St. John's Nf. I am really anxious to finish this A.B.E. program and to further my education and I hope that one day I can be a certified medic, so I can help others.

 

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Betty's Christmas Mug

Gladys Farrell

Betty is a tutor at the Rabbittown Learners Program and she is the proud owner of a green, red and blue Christmas mug. It was last December that Betty’s little ones went to the Avalon Mall with their Dad with the money they both had saved from chores over the last few months.

Hanna and her younger brother Joshua didn’t know what to get their Mom. All they knew is that it had to be something really nice. Hanna went from store to store and finally her Dad said, “Walmart is the last store, I hope you’ll have better luck finding something here for your Mom.”

While going through the knick-knack area Hanna came to a large selection of drinking mugs. There were mugs with Merry Christmas on them and some with Noel.

It was then that a colorful mug caught her eye. It had all kinds of toys on it. A rocking horse was next to a beautiful Christmas tree, there was also Teddy bears and candy canes and even dolls. Hanna thought to herself that it was the perfect gift for her Mom.

Sure enough Christmas Day came and Betty was handed her present and Hanna said, “This is from me and Joshua, I hope you like it.” Betty replied, “I’m sure whatever it is I’ll love it.” “Well Mom open it.” With that Betty tore off the wrapping paper and said, “Isn’t that beautiful! I love it Hanna, Thank you Joshua,” as she gave them both a big hug and kiss.

After the Christmas dinner was completely consumed, everyone helped with the dishes and Betty sat back on the couch drinking coffee from her pretty mug.

Afterward the cup was washed and put up into the cupboard for safekeeping.

That was a year ago this December and faithfully Betty brings her Christmas mug to school. You often see Betty walking back and forth across the room holding that mug and sipping her coffee as she stops occasionally at a table to help one of us learners.

At the end of the day Betty washes her mug and puts it in her coat and brings it back home again.

The next day it starts all over again. She places her mug on the kitchen table and pours herself another cup of coffee.