Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus

I spent most of yesterday pretty happy.

Since the first day of school, no matter what time I arrive to work (& I get there pretty early, especially when I take Lamb to school), there's a boy waiting for the doors to open. The students aren't allowed into the building until 7:45. I did not know this boy so I would say "Good morning" and go about my business.

In November, I was given the opportunity to tutor for extra money. As it turns out, this boy is in my tutor group. He's your typical boy, extremely silly. I started to notice that to hide his insecurities, he turns his wrong answers into big jokes.

The weather has started to turn quite cold in the mornings. The thought of the boy sitting out for 30 minutes, at the least, bothered me. I asked his teacher if I can bring him in with me & we'll go over Math facts or whatever he's working on in class. So that's what I do on my mornings now. And just so you don't think I'm "cheating" the district, I don't clock in until my normal time.

We've been doing this for a little over a week now. He's getting comfortable with me so there is a lot of silliness going on. Bear finds him quite humorous. Sigh! But, given the choice, the boy always wants to work on his facts.

Yesterday, I took the day off. However, I don't have enough time to go back home after dropping off Lamb at her school. Bear & I went to our school as usual. There was the boy with a Christmas box in his hand. I casually asked if that was a present for his teacher & he just smiled at me.

When we walked into my room, he handed the gift to ME! I was so stunned and pleased. Inside the box was a snowman figurine (I love snowmen), 2 bars of scented homemade soap in the shape of shells, and a miniature perfume (Unforgivable Woman by Sean John, in case you are wondering).

I am always surprised when a student buys me a Christmas present. I don't know why, it just does. I never expect it. And it really doesn't matter what the gift is, the thought of them thinking of me touches me.

Generous children give me hope that the future won't be so bad. Kindness and thoughtfulness are still alive and well.