As part of our Scituate experience, we had a host family. These families would open their homes to us students from Boston in case we get stranded because of weather or if we have events and we needed to stay overnight. I was in chorus for four years and in marching band for three years, so I had events on the weekends and late at night. I stayed over a lot during my time in Scituate and I was blessed with an amazing family who treated me more like a member of the family. I wished that I had treated them better and told them how much they meant to me. They helped to shape me into the person I am today. They taught me that what truly matters is what is in your heart, not what you look like on the outside.
They were a family of Germany origin. The father was a college professor, and the mother was a junior high school English teacher. They had 9 kids and they treated me like I was their tenth child. For this story I will call the parents Helen and Fred. I met Helen when I chose her as the teacher, we would cook lunch for in seventh grade home economics. I made an oven roasted chicken and a homemade cheesecake for dessert. I remember how grateful she was to me chosen out of all the teachers in the school. I did not have her as a teacher, but I always remember how kind she was to me. When I struggled to find my way, she would always take time to talk to me. She was the reason I joined the school choir which eventually led me to sing for the Governor. When I sang my first solo in eighth grade, she was the first to stand and cheer because she knew what an accomplishment it was for me to sing in front of people. She treated me with dignity before I knew what that was.
I made friends with her three youngest boys, Freddie, Charlie, and Jimmy. Freddie was 2 years ahead of me. We were in the choir together. We both sang tenor. He was my friend and the competition, but the moment I remember the most was when we sang a duet together and we got a standing ovation. Charlie was a year older than me. He loved science fiction. He would lend me his Dr. Who books. This was the first time I truly enjoyed reading. I struggled but I enjoyed it. We probably hung out the most. Charlie was also in the chorus and during his senior year we did a song from the musical “Guys and Dolls” “I got the Horse right Here.” Jimmy was my golfing partner. He was two years younger than me. We would go to the Scituate Country Club and play 18 holes at least once a week. Jimmy was an excellent golfer, and he would try and help me. I struggled but I had the best time. They treated me like I was one of their brothers.
Fred was the father and he came home every weekend. He had his chair in the living room, and he would grade papers and watch television. His favorite show was the “Muppet Show.” He loved the two old men on the balcony. He didn’t talk much. I always wonder if he liked me or not. But I discovered how much he cared about me when I did something dumb, and he treated me like he did his own children.
My biggest regret was when it came time to thank them for the five years, they opened their hearts and homes to me, I didn’t do it. It was my graduation and my family was supposed to go to their home. My grandfather was driving and they were too tired to stay and went home. When I arrived at my host family’s home, they had a beautiful table set. I had to lie and say my grandmother was sick. The look on their faces said it all. To this day it hurts me to think about the pain they must have felt. It wasn’t long after that night I lost touch.
If I had the chance, I would tell them I am sorry and I would say thank you for everything you have given me. They treated me with dignity, and I will never forget that.
Charles Redd RN
Dignity Freedom Fighter
Dignity Freedom Fighter 