For C — I.School

Friday letter.

For C,

I remember skipping the “make a wish’ assembly with you. After our class raised- oh, I don’t even remember how much money was piled on the front table- funds for a precious toddler. It was significant. It wasn’t until the other students left, and I was ready to lock up, that I saw you in tears. We ended up talking for the duration of the assembly.

No, I didn’t know you were homeless. No one suspected your situation in such an affluent school. You hid it well. And I’m sure it was confusing seeing so much money picked up by the treasurer. Money so precious to you. I could not explain why it was unfair that some had so much to donate, while you took two busses to go to a more “reputable” school every day.

Good question- why do we focus so much on the celebratory tragic end of lives, while ignoring and complaining about each other daily? And why disrupt learning for a week? School is mandatory, which means being part of school fund raising is involuntary. Opting out of “make a wish” happened that day, but remember how emotionally charged the rest of the class and school was when they returned from the hour rally? You said something like “Good luck trying to teach this class now.” We laughed. We bonded after that day. I enjoyed talking to you off and on after.

I also remember how you would rarely complement me on my attire. My daily dress. :) I’d say, “how about this one?” And You would say (without a smile), “I will tell you when I like it, Newson.” It cracked me up! I can’t tell you how much I appreciated your honesty even on the little things. And then…

And then you were just gone. Your personal information was incorrect and I had no way to contact you. To be honest, I had 140 other students demanding attention so I did not pursue it further. I just hoped you were warm and had a way to get food.

You taught me a crucial lesson. I began seeing fund raising assembly’s through a new lens. I did try to talk to school leaders about my concerns and I think you could guess how that went. I looked like a monster. Like I was trying to keep dreams away from sick kids. Like you, I saw a different evil. But how do you even begin..

I don’t know if you remember me. I understand if you don’t. I just wanted to tell you I remember you and the impact you had on me. Take care C. I hope we cross paths again. And I hope I have on a really ugly scarf- just to hear your comment. ha. But more than that, I really hope you are well. You are not forgotten.