Tugging at my heartstrings...

[leebee]

A co-worker just sent me the most precious picture of one of my students. This is a kid with issues, who is somewhat neglected at home, poorly dressed, often dirty, with unappealing mannerisms, attitudes, behaviors, a somewhat unlikeable child... you get the idea (although that is not how we've come to view this student over the years... but in general...). Today there is a field trip for some of the kids in Special Services. They took food bags to the homeless shelter, then off to the mall for lunch and a visit with Santa. I just got a picture of this student sitting in Santa's lap, and the look on the student's face is incredible! I can't wonder if this is a first-ever visit for this child! Student looks enchanted, happy, relaxed. It tugs on my heartstrings to realize how close we've grown to this child. It makes me angry that "bad things" happen to children to mess them up at such a young age. Picture is already printed out and posted- can't wait until they are back from the field trip as I feel like I need to give someone a hug!

 

[moniqueand2]

That is great! Any way to buy a cheap frame for the picture and send it home with the kid?

 

[scrhsa]

I've worked in a school with kids like that. A whole family....4 boys 1 girls. All about a year apart. The smallest things would delight them. Especially when you complimented them. So many times I heard about how Mom or Dad was going to take them somewhere or do something with them but they never followed through.

 

[LJSquishy]

The smallest things can mean the most to them sometimes. This is probably a special memory they'll hold onto forever, and you may very well be correct that this is the first time they've met Santa.

 

[lustergirl]

Nice...

 

[cijay]

My friend just got custody of his Godchildren and they're having a blast. The kids were so neglected and unkempt, not very well socialised (their father had cancer for a few years and their mother had walked out when they were babies so they'd been bounced from pillar to post while he fought to get them) and the difference in the past 8 months has been phenomenal. They're enjoying it all for the first time.

 

[CanBeGrumpy]

What if he/she asked Santa to bring him/her a gift, and then Santa does not deliver?

Edited to add: Are these kids part of a program that will get them gifts? If so, is it possible to find out what they asked from Santa and maybe help that become a reality?