Chris* and Mrs. Brumbaugh

Good morning friends!  I have been absent lately, and I apologize.  Basically, I've been waiting to be inspired by something.  I hadn't had anything extraordinary happen or anything stand out.  So, I didn't write.  But, now I can!  I'd like to tell you about a boy that I don't think I'll ever forget.  He is an example of exactly why I do what I do every day.

You might recall that back in September I wrote about a particularly challenging child. I'm going to call this boy *Chris* for the purposes of my story.  He and I would butt heads all throughout the day. I asked him to sit, and he'd stand.  I wanted him to put his things away, and he'd start taking out more supplies and dropping them on the floor- while staring me in the eye.  Totally defiant, and pissing irritating me every day. It got to be totally exhausting for me (and I'm sure him, as well).  See, Chris hadn't had a very great time as school in the past.  Last year, he missed 38+ days between January and June.  I'm sure his kindergarten attendance was no better.  He did not make any relationships at school with friends or teachers, and his mom would let him stay home any time he wanted.  He would wake up a little late and miss the bus, so she'd keep him home the whole day.  There was a little baby at home, and I'm pretty sure he was often the babysitter.  School was simply NOT a priority for him nor his mother.  He had no friendships, relationships, and academically he was suffering (reading way below level and not able to do basic math skills).

At the beginning of the year, I called his mom from my cell phone while driving home.  I was nervous because I'd heard she could be difficult at times.  I introduced myself and said I was looking forward to working with her and Chris this year.  She seemed taken aback that I was calling from my personal cell, and thanked me for talking with her.  Ever since then, she's been very easy to talk with on the phone.  His attendance improved, but then it began worsening again.  My principal and I called the mother in for a meeting.  We basically tole her he MUST come to school- no matter what.  If he missed the bus, my principal said she would go pick him up from his apartment and bring him.  After that meeting, Chris seemed like a new kid.  He was helpful, talkative, supportive, and totally different.  He and I were bonding over jokes, stories, and he would often share things with me that would give me insight into his life.  If he missed school, I would text his mom and ask where he was, or let her know that I look forward to seeing him tomorrow, etc.  One day, he didn't show, and my principal (true to her word) went and picked him up and brought him to school.  Now, if he's absent, she will text me and give me a reason and assure me he'll be there the next day.  Is his attendance perfect?  No, but it's A LOT better than any past year.

Throughout the weeks, I saw a new child emerge.  He was smiling, making friends, standing up to bullies (when he used to pick on kids before!), and enjoying himself at school.  He would listen, participate, and offer to help kids that needed extra attention.  One day, I had a splitting headache, and went around the room and told all the groups of students "Be quiet!  Teacher's head hurts!"  It was sweet.  Chris was rapidly becoming one of my favorite kids.

The day before our Christmas break, Chris brought in a gift for me.  It was a simple mug with a packet of hot cocoa.  Probably something most teachers would typically re-gift or put into a white elephant.  But, I have already placed it in my special teacher memory box.  His family has no money.  Just 2 weeks ago, he teared up telling me that he thought they might be moving because his mom couldn't pay the rent.  Yet, he felt it important enough to bring me a gift, using what little money he had.  I was very touched.  Then, last Friday, he said, "Teacher, my mom told me that we don't have any money for presents this year, so we won't get anything.  But, guess what!  Yesterday, someone called and said they have presents to give us!  My brother is picking them up today."  My heart swelled.  I truly felt God's love at that moment, because I had referred his family for gifts.  I wanted to shed tears of joy.  After telling me this he said, "Teacher, are we going to be gone from school for 2 weeks?  I'm going to miss you... Can my mom text you if I miss you?"  I said "of course" and he leaned in for a hug.  My heart swelled again.

Now, why am I writing such a LONG story about Chris?  As a teacher, we know we affect the lives of others, but it's rare to actually see it happening.  I have been given the gift of seeing Chris' transformation into an amazing little kid.  I had been really struggling this past year.  It's been stressful and busy and I wasn't feeling like a very good teacher.  I wasn't feeling like I was doing a good job, but Chris has renewed me.  He gave me just the boost of confidence in myself that I needed.  He is truly an example of why I chose to be a teacher, and why I'll continue to believe in the positive power of being a teacher.  Yes, I believe that I've changed him in positive ways regarding school and positive relationships with teachers he hadn't had previously. But, he'll never know just how much he's changed ME and helped ME.  I feel this is yet another example of God bringing people together when needed.  There was a reason that I was meant to be his teacher this year, and God made that happen.