Dear Nifti, several young people face extremely harsh realities – stories that ‘regular’ folk couldn’t even imagine. Most times, these children are helpless and give in to their circumstance or environment. Falling through the cracks…
Everything was quiet when I drove into the apartment complex. As I circled around trying to find my target, I noticed there were suddenly more people lingering in the parking lot. The complex was relatively clean, but more scrutiny revealed broken windows, with cardboard patchwork and garbage bags covering holed sections. More garbage bags littered the corners and trash spilled over. At the far end of the compound walls read JD WUZ HEER in big bright red and white letters. Many of our students misspell words just for fun. They would say they don’t need to spell because no one cares.
We’ve already had twelve dropouts this year so when Bobby didn’t show to up at school for the 2nd week in a row, I drove out to find him.
“How can I help you?”
My heart beat faster, my throat dried up and I immediately felt dizzy. “Number 205” I managed to squeak. I coughed to clear my throat. The man stared at me for a moment. Was he trying to figure out who I was? Why I was there? Or maybe he thought how much my necklace and watch would sell for? Another rule I disobeyed. I was dressed to the tee!
I have heard several stories about this apartment complex, mostly from the kids about the mugging, jumping, and something about whipping a pistol.
The man continued to stare down his nose at me. “You’re real fine” he started. “You shouldn’t come up here by yourself”. At this point, a much younger man started towards us. My heart couldn’t beat any faster. I just knew the men could hear it thumping, and for sure they could hear the ringing in my head. My truck was only ten feet away, I thought I would make it to safety if I tried, but my feet wouldn’t move. I couldn’t respond either. I just stared at them quietly pleading for mercy.
Relief. He knew me well, and was a good kid too.
“It’s no good”. The young man repeated. “Bobby moved in with his dad last week.” He shook his head. “His mom overdosed. There’s no hope for him now.”
Read more stories on VeryLoudYouth.Org.
Sadly – so may harsh realities out there.
Wow!!!! This broke my heart….life is so unfair, it’s sometimes too cruel.
Yes, unfortunately.
Hello fellow blogger, I have nominated you for the sunshine award. Please check out my website http://www.boomiebol.wordpress.com for instructions on how to accept. Thanks for your continued support, and amazing work. Keep it up and have a lovely weekend.
Hugs
Boomie Bol
Thank you lovely Boomie. Official thanks on my blog’s sidebar: http://niftitalks.com/thank-you/
Today’s Sunday night post is for you even though I wrote one specially for you today :). Will email it later. Thanks for the thank you. You are “good people” will be over at your blog in a few. Hugs dear
Bobby was loved ….. I’m sure he knew of and felt your caring. He has the memories that you gave him by your friendship. Our student come and go from our lives but they are never forgotten and they don’t forget. I strive to give each student positive memories and to help make their day a happy one. That is the gift that gives for a lifetime. Students are so blessed to have you in their lives.
Thanks for visiting Mrs. Paulus. Glad to see you 🙂
Thank you, and please keep up the awesome work!
Without thinking about it, you risked your life for a student. No teacher can be more dedicated than that. The word will no doubt be out on the street that you care and care deeply. At the same time, we have no way of knowing how far our acts of concern actually go or how they will eventually manifest in others’ lives — yet they do.
In the end, we’re only vessels for the Light.
Thanks for the kind words Mr. Hodson. I’ve found several extraordinarily caring adults in this line of work since I began three years ago. When our efforts don’t pay off immediately, the hope is that it will one day.
how sad….
Yep 😦
I always try to do what I can, but really there’s so little that educators can do with limited resources and time.
i know.. life as we know it………………….
I am happy to let you know that I nominated your blog a Super Sweet Blogging Award!
Check out the rules and nomination in this link http://awapara.wordpress.com/category/wandering/