Mrs. Carson's Observation(Marla) Mrs. Carson glanced at the table where Tyler was playing checkers with an elementary student, Nate. She was glad that Tyler had been willing to be a substitute for the after-school program that day. She hadn’t had a chance to visit with him yet, but the seventeen-year-old kid seemed patient and kind. She watched as both stared at the board. Tyler did a good job of appearing very thoughtful and serious before moving his pieces. It was obvious that he wanted Nate to think that he was trying his best.

A few minutes later, Nate made his final move on the board. “I win!” He declared happily as he threw his arms up in the air in triumph.

Tyler smiled good naturedly. “Another game?” he offered.

“Sure!” answered Nate.

Mrs. Carson turned her attention to a group of students who were playing Uno, then to another group who were drawing. Everyone seemed content.

Before the after-school program time was over, she heard Nate’s announcement of winning at least two more times. He was definitely enjoying the games with Tyler.

At the end of the day, as Mrs. Carson and Tyler were straightening chairs before closing the room, she remarked, “That was nice of you to play checkers. I know some people say that you shouldn’t let the kids win, but I think that today it was good for Nate, so thanks for doing that.”

Tyler reddened slightly with embarrassment. “Oh, umm, actually I didn’t. That was my first time playing checkers. At our house we had Sorry, Trouble, and Clue. So, yeah…that was no act. Wish it had been!” He said with a laugh.

Mrs. Carson laughed too. “Well, anytime you need the practice, you know we are.”

They said their good-byes and then Mrs. Carson thought, “Hmm, Tyler is seventeen, the same age as my niece. He’s good-looking, he’s kind, he’s patient, and he’s honest.” She smiled to herself. It would be so easy to ask her niece and Tyler to volunteer on the same day. And then they’d meet and then….Mrs. Carson continued these thoughts during her entire walk home, smiling all the way.

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