My student

Today as I was preparing to leave work my former student appeared at my classroom door.   He was skin and bones but was beaming to see that I was there.   I teach middle school, special education for emotionally disturbed students (at least thats what they label it as),   This boy is now 16, should be going into junior year in high school but he is addicted to drugs.  He has been shooting drugs and fears he may have hepatitis C.  
This boy is brilliant.  When he was in my classroom he was like a second teacher.  Noone else would take him and I had been asking for him for a couple of years and finally, he was sent to me to "deal with", I was told.  
He never showed anything but respect for me.   He sees hypocrisy in the world and contradictions everywhere, from home to politics and he just wants nothing to do with it.   He is living under a bridge and begging people at the local strip mall for money.  
I reminded him that he IS brilliant.   A great reader, average in math, great at thinking things out and problem solving.  
"I used to be" he said trying not to look too serious.   I had to remind him that he still IS.   Its normal for him to be as smart as he is this young an have such a huge heart.  Things hurt those who are have big hearts.   The world just doesnt make sense when you can see things so deeply and in the way he and others like him do.   I was that way too, I told him.    I kept talking to him about "when you are through with this phase in your life"  and "when you go to college".    He couldnt believe he could tell me these things and that I would still believe in him.   I looked him dead in the eye and told him I was exactly like him, did the same things, got a GED went on to college and hear I sit and that he can do the same thing.    I still see the true "him" in his eyes even though they have dulled a bit from the drugs.

So off he skated after we talked for about an hour and a half.    I feel sad but also hopeful.   I made a connection with this child.   He was banned from my school because of his reputation so he cut his long blonde hair and had to sneak in to see me.   I hadnt seen him in almost a year.    

If he lives through this molting stage in his life, I think he will be ok.    

This addiction thing does not care who it takes, young, old, rich, poor, doesnt matter.   This boy has a home and all the material things he could want but his mom is on prescription drugs and as he says "zoned out" most of the time and his step dad tolerates him at best.    It really made me think about things.    HIs mom loves him and with all the stress at home Im sure she is depressed.   I like her and have kept in contact but she tries to help him in "spurts".   If  her intervention doesnt work she stops trying.   I dont know what I would do either.   Im not blaming her at all, she seems very nice.  
Drugs are just evil for some of us.   I mean, thank goodness for pain relief but for others there are so many bad things that come with it.    I guess its like those who can eat twinkies and stay thin and others of us look at one and gain 5 pounds.

Im rambling but thought Id share part of my day.

Love you guys
tzt

[vicaddict]

What a sad story. You are a very special person and I am sure very special to that young boy. At least he has you in his life and he trusts in you and will come to you. I think that is very special indeed.

So he is blessed to have you. And you should be proud for making a difference in his life. :)

Great story and thank you for sharing.
Huggs hun
Tracy

[swany]

Wow..........how frustrating to see such potential in this boy and watch him let it slip through his hands.  Obviously he's not totally gone or he wouldn't have come to see you.  If you think about it............why did he stop by.  Why is he reaching out to you.  I think maybe he's trying to find a reason to come out from under that bridge.  If anyone can reach him, I believe, i is you.  You have a special gift that makes people want to confide in you.  Most people you would never feel comfortable enough to do that with.  He obviously knows that you are a special person, that is why he is coming to you.  

Like I said, I think he is probably looking for a reason to give up the drugs and the horrible lifestyle that he is leading.  I hope that he does.  That just breaks my heart.  I'm so glad he knows that he has a friend in you.  That might just save his life.

I'm sorry I missed you last night.  I got home late and didn't have the opportunity to get on the computer.  Dang it.  I wish I could talk to you before I talk to my doctor.  He actually DIDN'T even call yesterday like he was supposed to........:(.  Well, maybe I can talk to you tonight.

I hope you have a great day at school.  I won't be able to stop thinking about that boy you know!!!   lol  

xoxo
Swany

[vicaddict]

As I always say:
If ya don't like the post, move on to the next one!

I swear some people just cannot stand any good in others lives. Must be a wonderful way to live. (cough)

tzt:
Keep sharing the wonderful stories, and keep being you hun!

Huggs
Tracy

[debsally]

Your story is inspirational.  We have to keep believing that the evil can be overcome and life can flourish.  Thank you for sharing.