I would like to share with you a personal story. I had a dear friend and mentor who I called Poppa James. He died at age 90 from cancer. Before his death he was in his home, in the bedroom he shared with his beloved wife who also passed away from cancer. For three days, he was mostly delirious. On the third day, I returned from out of town. On that day, I soothed him, a change was made in his medication, and prayers were said for him. That same evening, my son Marty and my granddaughter Ciara, went to visit him. My granddaughter held his hands and told him she loved him. Something dramatic happened that night. He awoke the next morning, and his mind was clear as a bell. Was it the sweet love of a child? Was it a change in his meds? Was it the prayers? Was it being surrounded by those who loved him? Whatever it was, for that one awesome day, he still had cancer, but mentally and emotionally, he was back to being the dear sweet person that so many of us have grown to know and love. It was such a joy and seemed like such a miracle. I have a point to this story, and that is that it is the same with students. You dont always know for sure which tool will work, but its important to keep trying, and hoping--and never give up. Hold out hope even when there doesnt seem to be any hope. As you enter this new school year, have hope for each child regardless of the outward appearance. Children can feel it. You cannot change some of their circumstances—things happening in the home, learning differences, special needs, but you can still make a profound change in the lives of your students—a change for the better so that they can learn and be all the best they can be!
Posted on: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 17:05:00 +0000
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