Stories 

Our Battle with Leukemia
Teaching Naked?
  

   This area of MrGym.com is devoted to humorous or interesting stories, pertaining to education, that you and other educators are willing to share.  This area is not intended to be hurtful to anyone, so please keep that in mind when you send me your stories.  Please submit your stories to: MrGym@MrGym.com  Subject: Stories

Our Battle with Leukemia
(continued from home page)

      I know times are tight, and unfortunately, I have not received any donations since the inception of this website, so if it were not for the advertisers you on the home page, this website would not be possible.  Please, take time to visit the advertisers and let them know where you saw them.
     In our past 3 year journey, I have learned a lot about many things.  One of the main things I learned, is that their are some great people and organizations out there, who are looking out for children who are fighting life threatening illnesses.  If you would like to help fight pediatric cancer or help other who are fighting illness, following are some great organizations.  I hope they don't mind me posting.
     Make a Wish Foundation - grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
     Make a Wish gave my son a trip to Florida to enjoy several of the top ten waterparks in the U.S.  They provided a limo trip to the airport, flight, stay at Give Kids the World, and tickets to all the popular parks.  They are amazing.  On a side note: there are some solicitors that will call claiming to be Make A wish, but Make a Wish will NEVER solicit for donations!
     Give Kids the World - Give Kids The World is a non-profit organization that exists only to fulfill the wishes of all children with life-threatening illnesses and their families from around the world to experience a memorable, joyful, cost-free visit to the Central Florida attractions, and to enjoy the magic of Give Kids The World Village for as long as there is a need.
     This was the most amazing place, I cannot even explain everything here, but it is a gated community for families where you can : eat at the ice cream shop anytime of the day, fish, eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, play putt putt, swim, order pizza to you villa and more...all at no charge to the families  AMAZING!  I highly recommend buying their book, it is truly inspirational.
     Ronald McDonald House - Our Ronald McDonald House program provides a “home-away-from-home” for families so they can stay close by their hospitalized child at little or no cost.
     When were were first diagnosed, we spent 31 days in the hospital.  We ended up Staying at the Ronald McDonald house.  The house was awesome, as they had meals, laundry, snacks etc.  A true life saver.  Also, churches and people donated time by coming in and preparing meals for the families.
     Children's Hospital -  Our Local Children's hospital and their charities are awesome and they have my utmost respect.
     So, if you are looking for a trustworthy organization who will utilize your donation for a great cause, please feel free to give to these groups, and remember, they can always use volunteers as well.  Thank you!

     Teaching Naked? 

Teaching Naked? - I remember this day very well, as it occurred in my very early years of teaching.  Being a Physical Education teacher, I have always been very popular with the students.  So, it always made me feel good when students would go out of there way to say hi or give me five, etc.  However, there was a day where that celebrity status (in my eyes) led to an embarrassing moment.  It was early in the school year, so it was still warm outside.  Since most of my activities were outside during the warm weather, I would dress appropriately; A nice comfortable collared shirt and a nice pair of shorts.  Anyway, it was time for our annual meet the teachers night.  I look forward to this night, because as I stated before, I was quite popular and enjoyed the remarks from parents and students.  What an ego booster:)  After our meeting and introductions, we would all go to our room and meet the parents and students as they walked to the rooms.  Oh, I was walking on air as the students would rush their parents to meet me.  "Oh that's Mr. Gates, he's really fun" , "Phys Ed is so fun", etc.  However, it only took a second for me to be ushered back into reality when I saw a girl dragging her parents down the hallway to meet me.  I waited anxiously to see what wonderful compliment I would hear.   Mr. Gates! she yelled!  Oh this was certain to be an ego booster as she was excited and yelling.   However, what followed was the most embarrassing comment that I had ever received.  In the hall, in front of everyone including her parents, this girl yells "Mr. Gates! Mr. Gates, I've never seen you with your pants on"!  Oh how fast did my face turn red, and my celebrity size ego disappear.  And me without a rock to crawl under.  Eventually, the laughter died down and my face returned to near, normal color as the girl and I scrambled to explain that she meant that she had not seen me in anything other than my shorts.  Thank goodness her parents, as well as other parents, had a good sense of humor and got a good laugh at my expense. 
     - D Gates -
     

Home/Cooperative Games/Sports and Lead up Games/Tag Games/Misc. games/
Small Space Activities/Dance and Rhythmic/Holiday Activities/Combative and soft war/
/Birthday Games/Making Teams/