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Wednesday, May 27, 17:44:50 [ Login ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, [7], 8, 9, 10 ]

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Date Posted: 14:13:32 01/30/04 Fri
Author: Brenda
Subject: I think you are right Keira. There is a reason we are in certan places at certain times. I am also just as certain that you enriched her life and made a lasting impression on her just as she made one on yours. I just wish all nurses could intuitively treat patients with the same honest caring that you do. Come inside for a story of a student who had a lasting effect on me>>>
In reply to: Keira 's message, "Sharing-and Thanking the Angels" on 23:10:19 01/29/04 Thu

This student, whom I am going to call Michael, was in a grade 6 class I taught at an inner-city elementary school. The students at this school had seen more in their short lives that I had ever experienced. Poverty, neglect, abuse, violence, you name it. My philosophy when I went in was to make my classroom a safe, comfortable place where they felt they wanted to come each day. I remembered someone telling me that 10 years from now, kids won't remember WHAT you taught them, they will remember HOW you made them feel.

Michael's mom (a single parent) came to school part way through the day to pull him out of class. She had just found out that his dad had OD'd on heroine and died. Michael was devastated, he was very close to his dad.

When he returned to class, he stayed after school to talk. He said he wanted to share with others what he was going through, so maybe another dad would think about the effect his addictions would have on his kids. He wanted to know how to get his message out there. I suggested he write a letter to the local paper. He went home that night and put his letter together and brought it to me the next day. I helped him "fix it up" (Michael had learning disabilities and his work could be a challenge to read *g*). He then walked to the newspaper office (a good distance away) and dropped it off. The newspaper printed the letter, a Vancouver TV station got ahold of the story and came out to do a segment for the provincial TV news, and several other organizations became interested. Michael went on to be a spokesman for the "Just Say No" program in the schools (a drug and alcohol awareness program). One of his quotes will always stick in my head. When asked what he would say to his father if he had the opportunity, he said, "Dad, I love you, you were a great father, but you were a stupid man".

I think Michael was put in my class for a reason. I was supposed to help him through a hard time and he was supposed to teach me about inner strength and the ability to turn a tragic situation into something positive.

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[> This is why I lurk here. I learn something new, I read an inspirational quote, and from this message I am reminded of how wonderful people are and can be. You rock Keira! (((Hugs))) and thanks to all the members here-you are such good people. -- Michelle, 14:20:26 01/30/04 Fri


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