Local Man Writes to Inspire Others

Everybody has a story to share, and there are always those in need. One local author has found the means to achieve both. Charles L. Jarrett from Spencer, TN, has recently published his new book, “Bringing Up Aysha, the Daughter of My Eldercare Years: A Novel.” In his book, he describes how he and his late wife would have gone about raising the daughter they never had, being inspired by a nurse that took care of his wife in her last few years. Not only was this his first time writing a book, but the earnings from the book will be going to a cause he believes in: Rodema Bridge to Learning.

When Charles Jarrett’s wife of 55 years was in the nursing home, one nurse left a lasting impression on him. He said she was, “Different than the other nurses. Always neater and more organized, and she was very skilled. Didn’t have tattoos showing, she was just very neat and good at her job.”

During Jarrett’s time there, he encouraged the nurse to continue her training in the medical field because he felt she had both the skill and willpower to do so. This nurse and the impact she had on Jarrett inspired him to create the Rodema Bridge to Learning.

Rodema Bridge to Learning is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides financial assistance to qualified individuals seeking to expand their education. It was named after Rodema Jarrett, Charles wife that passed away a few years ago. Candidates will sign up and go through an interview process. If they are chosen, once they complete the coursework that the program will pay for, they will submit proof of tuition payment and a transcript. Rodema Bridge to Learning will reimburse them for that tuition from there.

“And we don’t just want to pay for it (college), I want to motivate them to work for it and encourage their self-esteem,” said Jarrett. “So, it’s different from other scholarships. We don’t just pay for it. You have to work hard, and get good grades, and then you send that transcript to prove it. We, and of course how much we cover will depend on how much funding we have, but we will reimburse the student for that.”

There was just one issue with Charles Jarrett’s plan, in his mind: “How do I fund it?”

While trying to find a way to fund the program, Jarrett thought about that one nurse again. He decided to write a book about the kind of daughter he and Rodema would have raised, and how he would want his daughter to turn out like that nurse. The book he published was just that.

“Bringing Up Aysha, the Daughter of My Eldercare Years: A Novel” is Charles Jarrett sharing the fictionalized stories he came up with if he had a daughter. Having raised multiple sons, he is no stranger to parenthood, but he hopes the stories of “Aysha,” the story’s daughter, are both entertaining and impart a lesson to younger parents. Part of the lessons include how to discipline and work around the harder parts of parenting.

“I really wanted to show that physical aggression is not always the solution,” said Jarrett. “So that’s when sometimes, in the story, I would sit down and talk to her. Talk to her, love, and respect that child. So, that’s part of what I wanted to really tell, the correct ways to discipline. It’s not always something physical.”

The book can be purchased at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Walmart. There is also an eBook available with the former two options, as well as iTunes. The Rodema Bridge to Learning has a website, rodemabridgetolearning.com, where more details are available for anyone who wants to donate, support, or see if they qualify.