Sometimes Teenagers Do Not Suck

As most of you know, I teach high school.  Every day, I deal with 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders.  Every. Day.

And nearly every day, I come home from work feeling stressed.  There's just so many of 'em and so few of us!  I know little kids are needy, but teenagers???  Phew...  They put I-need-your-attention-PRONTO in the word "needy."  Some teenagers have so much drama and, for whatever reason, they are compelled to share with me.  It's an honor and a curse.  I'm honored that they feel comfortable enough to talk to me.  I'm cursed in that there are just some things I DO NOT need to know!  TMI to the 14th power!

Like I said, they are exhausting and can suck the life out of you if you aren't careful.  Sometimes, though, just sometimes, they do not suck.  Sometimes, they BLOW.

Te-he, he, he...  Not really.  That was just too good to pass up.  Sorry; I digress...

Anystayfocused, sometimes teens are so giving.  So much so that it makes me want to cry.  Really.  Yes.  I cry, dammit.

This past week was Winterfest 2011 at Podunk High School.  Winterfest is similar to Homecoming only it's for basketball.  Consequently, the students nominate and elect a Winterfest court.  From that court, the class accumulates points through various activities, charities, and fundraisers.  From the class with the most points, the students with the most votes receive the honor of Winterfest King and Queen.

This year's King and Queen were from the Sophomore class -- an unprecedented phenomena.  Typically, the Senior class takes the honor.  This year, though, they gladly and honorably bowed to the Sophomores.  All classes stood and cheered when the King and Queen were announced.  A standing ovation ensued.  I nearly cried.

The Winterfest King for 2011 is a severely disabled student.  King J.J.'s disability affects his speech and restricts his movements.  It does not affect his attitude, however.  He comes through the doors of our building every, single morning with a smile the size of Texas.  He laughs and waves, and all seems right with the world.

On Friday, I was reminded of just how awesome my job really is.  I was so proud of our students.  And so happy for J.J.  He wore his suit and that crown all day long.  I suspect he may have even slept in it.  And may even be sitting in church this morning adorned with his crown.  I'm sure God doesn't mind.


I just love this commerical.  I cried; now it's your turn.

A Piece of Humble Pie

I feel like falling to my knees and giving praise.  I am the luckiest person in the world!  I have a great husband, two wonderful and healthy children, a job that I love, a mortgage that I hate (but at least I have one), awesome friends, and so much more.  Don't get me wrong; I haven't gone and gotten all sappy.  Nor am I feigning supreme spirituality.  However, I did just get slapped in the face by reality. 

Today, I "interviewed" the sweetest, most humble little cleaning lady.  It was all my husband's idea, but a friend of his turned him onto a cleaning lady whose price could not be beat.  Now, if you know me at all, you know that I could careless whether or not we have a clean house; thus, I am indifferent towards the concept of a cleaning lady.  My husband, my current housekeeper, DOES have a dog in this hunt (so to speak).  He was excited about the prospect, and asked if I'd meet with her.  Whatever...

She came by to meet with me, and just to get a feel for what we needed.  In the 45 minutes she was here, she gave me a rundown of her entire life.  Now this wasn't a speech along the lines of "Poor, pitiful me!  My life sucks!"  Instead, it was a sweet lady telling a sad story smiling all the while.  I told my husband that by the time she left, I was nearly in tears and wanted to give her a great, big HUG (and a great, big check!).  Seriously, I was looking around thinking "Am I on Candid Camera or something?" 

This lady has more than just a few problems; yet, she was able to come across as pleasant and happy.  She has no education, no job, no money, poor health, no insurance, a dead spouse, a young child, a disabled child for whom she is responsible, an unemployed son living with her...the list just goes on.  Even the most heart-wrenching movie on the Lifetime Channel can't compete with this lady's life.  All the while, though, she just had this positive attitude.

She didn't seem to be looking for sympathy.  Nor did she seem to be looking for a handout.  She just seemed like a very honest, open person who wanted to talk.  So there I sat.  Listening.  Typically, not my role in most conversations, but I'm glad I did.  I am glad I met her, and I am glad that she will be cleaning my house.

She definitely made me a believer.  She could have been a bitter person with nothing nice to say about anything.  I don't think anyone would blame her.  Instead, she chose to get up this morning with a smile on her face and roll with the punches.  After all, it's Christmastime.  Upon leaving our house, she was headed to Walmart to buy presents for her nephew with cerebal palsy. 

I liked her style.  And I certainly learned a very valuable lesson today.  I needed it too.  I was on the verge of shipping my kids off to daycare for a little break.  We stayed home and destroyed the house together instead!  :)