In January 1949 at the age of nineteen, Florence Jenkins Muse walked through the doors of Old Cople High School to begin her teaching career. In January 2005, fifty-six years later, she walked through the doors of the new Cople Elementary School to begin tutoring the next child destined to fill her heart with joy.

      After ten years in the regular classroom, Florence became a private tutor, focusing on children    some of them homebound   with various learning disabilities. All needed special training to master basic skills. Between marriage and community duties, she set aside certain days and hours devoted to one-on-one instruction.

      “These Are My Children” is a loving tribute to all the students passing through Florence’s life. Those honored within its pages are representative of hundreds who have benefited from her wisdom, both academically and spiritually. Many, upon reaching adulthood, are passing the torch along to the next generation.

      Through Florence’s expertise and understanding of dyslexia, countless numbers of her children soared beyond the wildest dreams of parents and teachers who did not understand that it is a physical handicap of the brain, not a gauge of intelligence. In simple terms, children with dyslexia see words and numbers backwards, like a mirror image. Determined to prevent them from slipping between the cracks, Florence taught them how to compete in the classroom through “tactile learning.”

      Still others suffered ridicule because of speech defects. Among them were brothers Frank and Lee. One year after beginning therapy with Florence to correct their “lazy tongues,” they could recite “The Gettysburg Address.” Bob, another with serious speech problems, overcame them and went on to the University of Virginia, the University of Richmond School of Law and Cambridge University in England.

      Florence learned to help children overcome speech problems by “talking things over with God” during a walk along the beach. He showed her how to turn the tongue, mouth, lips, teeth, and upper and lower throat   coupled with a mirror   into corrective tools for the most severe speech problems.

      Despite being blind, Pamela’s hunger for learning enable her to forge ahead both academically and socially. In the last letter Florence received from her, she announced that she was asked to be secretary of the Blind Industrial Workers of America. Jessica, another blind student, is now a grandmother, active in her church and a member of a recreational group for the blind. In her most recent letter to Florence, she wrote, “Life just keeps getting better.”

      Rick, one of Florence’s students with a hearing difficulty, mastered his problem to become president and co-owner of a prosperous Northern Neck corporation.

      Although Florence tutored several potential juvenile delinquents, she is proud that most took her confidential discussions to heart. Upon abandoning their dangerous ways, several became active in the church. One of them, Nelson, eventually joined a Boys’ Choir that traveled around the country.

      Carol, a victim of cerebral palsy, and Joy, born with Downs Syndrome, have survived and flourished despite dire predictions given their parents when they were born. Carol learned to read and write and enjoys traveling, especially to Disneyworld. With Florence’s care, Joy learned to walk and to read. She is now employed at a local restaurant.

      Not long before Florence began writing the book, she received a letter from Christine that echoes the love exchanged between teacher and student.

      “My Dearest Mrs. Muse,

      Many years ago God sent me an Angel.

      This Angel took her hands and with tender belief in me, began to write letters on my back. She showed me that I wasn’t stupid but very special. My Angel taught me elementary things very differently. With the love in her heart and guidance from God, my Angel began to rebuild this little girl, to give back to her a belief that she could do anything.

      Today this little girl is a grown woman. The Angel is always in her thoughts and heart. When I begin to doubt myself, God takes me back to a precious time in my life to remind me I can do anything.

      With all my Love, Christine.”

      Christine’s recent wedding photograph radiates joy and gratitude for the woman who loves all her students as she would love one of her own. 

      “These Are My Children: A Teacher’s Notebook” by Florence Jenkins Muse may be purchased at the following outlets: Northern Neck State Bank in Warsaw and Montross, Four Seasons Florist in Colonial Beach, Left Bank at Hague, and Northern Neck Cleaners at Callao. It is also available directly from the author, Box 4, Coles Point, VA 22442 for $14.00 plus $4.00 shipping and handling.