This past weekend, my daughter Jen and I, along with my grandson, went to visit a young friend of ours that is just about to turn 10. This little girl has had a hard life - physically abused, she and her family were homeless for awhile. Life has not been easy. But you would not have known that had you seen her this weekend!
Jen and I took Alexis, 2 of her friends, and her mom out to dinner. The kids were giggly and chatty. It was obvious they were all good friends. They are even in the same 4th grade classroom. The laughs and joy was contagious. I think we could be heard throughout the entire restaurant!
After dinner (dessert vanished in mere seconds) we moved the party to our hotel pool, where they played for hours! Jumping, splashing, racing, laughing. They quickly started up some games with the other kids in the pool and before we knew it, it was time for the kids to head home for the evening.
Watching those three, I realized how important friends are. We don't need a gabillion of them. Just one or two true friends can make everything better. People to laugh with, share adventures with, even commiserate with when necessary. That can make the difference in anyone's -young or old - life.
My thoughts turned to my grandson. He is the happiest baby. He is surrounded by love- his mom and dad...all of his family love and cherish him. His smile lights up my life. Hopefully he will never leave through the tragedies that Alexis has. Friends, though, will be just as important to him as they are to her. Because we are all better with a friend.
As a teacher, we have the ability to be a friend to the kids on our class, kids in our school. The kind of friend that listens and cares, asks questions, remembers what's going on in their life. We can make a difference just with a smile.
Teacher - that really is synonymous with friend, isn't it?
Thank you, Two Writing Teachers, for allowing me to share this slice of my life.
Thank you for your moving story of friendship. I agree that we don't need a gazillion (despite what social media might promote). The blessing of a friend, to me, means that no matter the distance or time, we reconnect wholly each time we have the opportunity. Such a gift.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your moving story of friendship. I agree that we don't need a gazillion (despite what social media might promote). The blessing of a friend, to me, means that no matter the distance or time, we reconnect wholly each time we have the opportunity. Such a gift.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you helped your sweet friend to have a terrific day! I never cease to be amazed by how resilient my students are. They have hard, hard, hard lives, and still manage to find joy in life!
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