Makin' Me Think

A student said something to me last week that has been running around my brain and just won't settle down and be forgotten.

She was talking about her spring vacation and was so excited because she had gone to San Francisco for the first time.

I asked what she saw and did and she said she really loved seeing the Golden Gate Bridge.

I told her I had also gone to San Francisco over spring break to visit my daughter, KC, and added that KC runs and cycles across the bridge regularly.

She said, "Oh, we didn't get to go across the bridge - I wanted to, but my dad said it was too expensive to pay to ride across the bridge!"

Wow, it made me think about small amounts of money I spend on little "nothings".

My brain stores lots of useless information and it connected what she said to another comment left dormant somewhere in my brain.

A student once told me she could not stay after school for an activity because her parents could not come to pick her afterwards.

I asked if they were working and she said, "Oh, no, they can't afford to use the gas!"

Her family's reality is so different than mine!

Today, another student looked really sad and I held her after class.

She broke down and shared some of the things that have been going on in her life.

She shares a house with 4 families - 17 people.

Many more people living on the edge than I even realize!

These three comments made me think about all I have and am able to do.

I don't feel guilty.

I have worked hard to live the life I do,

I give back.

Just after we were married, Steve and I joined the Peace Corps and served as volunteers in Jamaica.

We give financially to a variety of organizations.

I am a volunteer coach in a volleyball program at my school that allows our students to play for free and compete against expensive club teams with paid coaches.

I am proud to say I live in a wonderful giving neighborhood. 

I wrote about the caring people of Brunswick Lane here .

I guess I just needed to voice my thoughts about my students and their everyday lives.

I have gotten my REALITY CHECK

and

I will remember to

COUNT MY BLESSINGS!