Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This . . .

Today has been tough. At the beginning of the year, I spent a lot of time on a few students. But, as the school year has progressed, everyone has settled into the routine of school. However, it seems the upcoming holiday has thrown kids off kilter.

One student came in clearly under the influence of something. After observing him and talking with the nurse, she and I came to the same conclusion: we know he's done something, he knows he's done something, but testing him using our methods of testing (observation of eyes, motor-skills, heart rate, temperature, etc.) will yield nothing. The student's mom doesn't want to admit he's doing anything. So what do I do? I did talk with him and explained to him that I don't care to get him into trouble, (which diffused some of his anger), but that my big concern is his health. He's come such a long way from last year, I don't want to see him slip back into bad habits. Even his overly moody reaction to my conversation was further indication that something is not right.

Student number two, also a recovering addict, has had a tough week. He tells us that his medication has been changed. I can't decide if his rough time is that or the drama that is surrounding his life. "Friends" mad at him and saying hurtful things--him returning hurtful comments. Parents who allegedly aren't attentive enough and even abusive. How does one get to be 17 and a recovering heroin addict? He tells me he isn't lucky and that he'll never amount to anything as he cries in my office. The same "tough" boy who just a few minutes ago was going to beat up a kid. The student needing a cigarette to help calm nerves raw from the emotion and the addiction. Some days I truly am thankful that it's only a Camel that they're smoking.

And then there's the boy who was in treatment for drugs last year. He has earned 10 semesters worth of credit in less than a semester of school. He volunteers with special needs students in the building. He has it together. He reminds me that these boys can get it together, too. These other boys can overcome their addictions if they want. A glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark day.