Ruby's Silver Dollar

Someone needs to look at their watch

When my Nanny went to school for her grade eleven, she had to stay in the next town over. The school in her community didn’t have anyone to teach her. Mrs. Jennex agreed to take on my Nanny as a boarder.

After school, my Nanny hurried to help Mrs Jennex around the house. She was expected to be helpful in exchange for her room and board.

After supper, my Nanny would help clean up, then she would relax by the fire. After ten minutes of relaxing, Mrs Jennex would look at her watch. This was a signal for my Nanny to start studying.

“She was a strict old lady,” said my Nanny with a chortle, “Effective though. I had the highest mark in Halifax County on the grade 11 provincial exam that year. They gave me a silver dollar for it.”

Basking in my Nanny’s pride it became clear why so many of us in our family value learning.

My Nanny had to leave home to grow. She was supported and pushed to work and focus. Little gestures spoke volumes.

How do you find a way to discipline yourself to reach a goal?

Do…