My Why

Took my nearly 15 year old daughter and her boyfriend to the movies Friday. Tickled that they needed me to open their candy and wanted kids meals afterwards. Played with the toy the whole drive home, lol. :) It was a nice end to a long week.

Icing in the cake: walking into the theater to a certain young man excitedly calling out "Hi Ms. Bailey!" While he smiled and waved. Gave me a great big bear hug on the way out after and walked me out to parking lot engaging in nice conversation. Don't know why he was alone or where his parents were (he's a 7th grader) but grateful for the experiences I have.

This young man's first interaction with me was about a year ago. He cussed at me in the hallway when I asked him to stop running. I made a decision to make this kid my best buddy. I spent weeks (with my 6th grade class watching) trying to "kill him with kindness." Everyday on the way to lunch as he was coming back with another class I'd say "hello , hope you're having a good day!" For weeks he'd call me a b*tch or tell me to shut up and I chose to smile anyway and react only positively.  Finally one day he just sighed and said hi. I handed him a piece of candy.  That day our friendship was born. :) Candy turned into daily first bumps and high fives. Kindness and a little bit of patience does matter. ❤️

Need to remind myself of this when I get frustrated with "that kid," that kid we all get every year. That kid that is rude, and defiant, and unlikable. We all have a story, they do too. Need to find it deep down in my soul to  extend kindness to them all, even on the mist trying days. My patience and understanding may be just what they need to turn their day/their life around. #thatswhyiteach What's your why?