Ruby Bridges!

Yes, she is a real person and we have just returned from a very nice dedication ceremony at the new Ruby Bridges Elementary school, at which Ms Bridges was present, beautiful, and very gracious. There were of course many speeches from dignitaries (ie; school board president, mayor, publisher's representative, former principal, current principle, and of course Ruby Bridges herself), lovely welcoming songs, presentations of plaques, declarations, and proclamations, and a ribbon joining instead of a cutting, because we are bridging together 3 schools. She had held an assembly with the students before the dedication and answered questions (Charlie got picked to ask "Why couldn't all children be together?", and he had duly practiced at home). Scholastic books provided a free T'Shirt for each child and a copy of Ms. Bridges book for each family and a very nice framed poster to go in the school lobby. The audience was enthusiastic but respectful (no "Woo-hoos" along with the applause). It was a great privelege to see this great lady in person. I accidently met her husband afterward (she was ushered off pretty promptly, but a few people got photos with her--I got about four feet away (I genuinely wanted to thank her, not just hound a famous person) when I found myself near one of the singing groups and thanked them for their beautiful music;I overheard him say he was "Malcolm--everyone just calls me Mr. Bridges", so I thanked him for coming and he shook my hand and asked if I were a parent, and then said Yes of course, since I had Ida in my arms. Several other members of her family were there too, all the way from New Orleans. This is the first school to be named after her; I already cherish my memory of this gracious, dignified and friendly lady.