Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Making a Difference, Revisited

Every year, around this time (when it first snows, I guess), I think of a former student of mine, whom I called "Kelly." Kelly is the subject of this post (a re-share of one of my favorite posts since becoming a blogger). I wrote it about five years ago, and I'm sharing it again because it really puts me in the Christmas spirit. I hope it does the same for you.

I have a little girl in my class this year (normally I have only boys, who are statistically more likely to have emotional/behavioral disabilities.)  I could call her “Tootsie” (Ring a bell?), but I will call her Kelly.  Anyway, this little 11-year-old charmer (yes, charmer; now that we have the farting under control) has stolen my heart.

Picture Pigpen (of Peanuts fame), and you will see Kelly, but instead of dirt in a 3-foot radius, you will see books, folders, notebooks, pencil cases, an empty water bottle, and loose paper in a tiny encampment around her. It is not unusual to observe Kelly walk out of the room, arms loaded up, only to drop the entire collection in the hallway, two steps out the door.  Imagine her picking everything up (alone, or with the help of some kind soul), only to drop everything again three steps later. That’s Kelly. (And all this after spending ten minutes organizing the whole collection with me.)

Like many 6th graders, Kelly is tiny; only about 4 1/2 feet tall. She has chestnut-brown hair that someone in a hurry must have cut for her, chin-length. She also has warm brown eyes and an ever-present grin. She uses words like “certainly” and “of course,” but pronounced “sotenly,” “of cose,” (apparently having been at the back of the speech lessons line in grade school.) Her shirts and her pants are too short and not appropriate for the season (It’s cold. Kelly’s wearing summer stuff). If you look over the playground during recess, you will see only one child wearing a snowsuit (in middle school). That child is Kelly. She is adorable, if not fashion conscious.

This week, I brought in some of Kendall’s clothes that she has outgrown; several t-shirts, some gym shorts, a swimming suit, and some pajama pants with a matching shirt that says, “I heart chocolate.” (I had asked Kelly’s dad if he minded. He said he would appreciate it very much.)  When I showed Kelly the clothes, she was thrilled. “Of cose, it’s always nice to get new clothes!” she exclaimed. “Oh my gosh, this is adowable!” “Pajamas! I don’t have any pajamas!”

At that moment, I had a flashback to a little girl on a 1970’s winter night, standing awe-struck in the living room as Salvation Army volunteers entered, bringing box after box of gently-used items for her family. I remember that she, too, was ecstatic and profusely appreciative, even though none of the items were brand-new. This little girl, too, wore clothes that had seen better days. She had haircuts that hadn’t cost a dime (and showed it). And she, too, had a cheerful spirit that belied her troubled home life and a certain sparkle that made a couple of sensitive teachers take notice and reach out to her. She, too, was worth that attention; attention that would change her life forever.

It dawned on me, the day I brought those clothes in, that I have a chance to make an impact Kelly’s life; not just as a teacher, but as a human being.  A simple act of bringing her used clothing made her day. My heart warms at the thought that I will likely have her for two more years after this one. I have the opportunity to keep the chain of teacher kindness and compassion going; I can make a difference in Kelly’s world.

I love my job.

13 comments:

  1. Thank God her father is not too proud to accept help for his daughter. Keep up the good work! You rock!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Children and Christmas are thoughts that blend in my mind. Your kindness and emotion shows like a Christmas star in this post.
    Since this story goes back a few years, I'm curious if you have an update on Kelly.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Tears to my eyes....do you know how Kelly is today in HS I imagine...I hope your kindness followed her and made a difference.

    ReplyDelete
  4. That is what love is really all about.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I remember this story from before and touches my heart as it did the first time I read it.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh my, this brought tears to my eyes. I get sad when I hear about those less fortunate and I am touched that someone like you has made that little girl smile. Everyone can make a difference in someone's life, even something so small or something we take for granted.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I hope so, too, Kathy. I believe she is a year younger than Kendall. I should ask about her...

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a beautiful comment, Bill. Thank you! Kelly is a year younger than Kendall, I think. I'm going to check on her and get back to you! :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. It takes a giver to appreciate one :) Thanks, Karen, and I agree--Her dad is a great guy, smart enough to know that there is nothing shameful about humility.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you. Thank you. I can't think of anything else. Continue to make a difference.

    ReplyDelete
  11. This touched my heart! There are so many little girls and boys who just need someone to show them kindness! She will never forget you!

    ReplyDelete
  12. That is the perfect message for the season. I love that you reposted it. We have a day here where all on free/reduced are invited for their families to get toys and clothes and games and books and blankets and coats and hats and mittens and all, but... it's so much more than the one day or the one thing. Awesome!

    ReplyDelete

Your 2 cents...