I cheerfully admit, I’m a sucker for inspirational quotes. A lot of people think they’re shallow and trite, but not 95-year-old Wally Richardson and the kids who love him.
It’s been about two decades now that Wally Richardson, 95, has been standing in front of Marina Village Middle School early each morning bellowing wisdom to students with well-worn proverbs and witticisms — some corny, some a little trite — but all of them astute.
The kids love him.
Richardson’s jubilant exultations start at 7:15 a.m., when the World War II Navy veteran stands with his dog, Dexter, near the entrance of the school in El Dorado Hills, Calif., offering fist bumps. Kids being kids, they’ve given his sayings a nickname: “Wallyisms.”
“Good morning! Great to see you!” he’ll joyfully call to students as they head inside.
Then comes his Wallyism: “To the world, you may be one person, but to one person?.”
Pause.
“You may be the world!” shout back a few smiling students.
Then Richardson will follow with another: “Judging others doesn’t define who they are — it defines who YOU are. Never look down on anyone unless?.”
Pause.
“You’re helping them up!” several middle schoolers respond.
It started when some children asked to pet his dogs years ago. While they were doing it he shared one of his inspirational sound bites with them and they seemed to listen, so he started doing it every morning and really connected with them, so he’s been doing it ever since.
The kids make his morning, and he believes children are the future of our country — this is his way of showing that they’re loved and accepted. It’s a win-win for everyone. Good for you, Wally!
November 20, 2018
Wow, that’s amazing and not only a “one off” but for decades…and no wonder he’s got that far in life, he has something to do each weekday morning – get dressed, probably have his cereal, feed the dog, find the dog lead and set off on his inspirational mission…
Yes, for about twenty years! The kids love him and he no doubt thrives on the appreciation and knowing he’s doing a great thing.
this is wonderful!
and look at him! he doesn’t even look like he’s 95 years old!
he’s happy. and he’s doing inspirational and important work!
Yes! We could use a lot more people like him. 🙂
Mom says that you can tell just looking at his face that he is a wonderful person.
I feel the same way. He warms my heart.
Glad he connected with the Jr Hi crowd.and they’re so responsive.
That’s often a difficult time for students, and clearly he’s giving them something a lot of them need.
A heartwarming story in the midst of such a dispiriting world. “Judging others doesn’t define who they are — it defines who YOU are.” How very true.
Yes, it’s a great quote to remember when others get snarky. 😀