Before you notice that this post is kinda long and you really don't feel like reading a sob story, please just close your eyes and take a moment to send some prayer or positive thinking my student's way, even if you never think of him again, please think of him now, for a second.... before moving on to the shiniest and newest nonsense thread.

(For those with a short attention span, Thank you you can go now. )


I believe in the power of prayer, and right now this little boy needs it.
BUT what I want to talk about is my student, and why I am devastated by this news.


First let me tell you a little about Jared....

Jared is a rare kind of person, let alone child, he's polite and intelligent but he's far beyond that....he has an inner light that fills up any room he's in, and when he's not there the difference is quite noticable. He's quiet, likes to write stories, in fact he has notebooks full of his imaginary adventures.

In September, when I gave the class an assignment to make up an award for someone they admired, most of the kids made an award for me, I was the easy out, but Jared drew a picture of a trophy and meticulously spelled out in his shaky cursive "To EVERYONE in room 202" when the time came to exchange our awards Jared wanted to go last. I let him. Then he stood and told each child in the room why he admired them, why he liked them, why he considered them his friend. His paper trophy hangs on the wall by my desk and is precious to me.

He was Harry Potter for Halloween. He reads to his 6 year old sister. He hates Math....

Jared is one of those students, who when you work in an environment like I do, gives you reason to get up in the morning. The teachers in my school look out on our classes every morning and we can pick off who we KNOW will be dead or in jail by the time they are old enough to legally drink, sometimes drive a car....Jared talks about going to college, becoming a teacher himself. Jared is 9.

I'm afraid that his father's death will in bitter him. I'm afraid that this horror will steal his future. I pray to God for him, and his little sister, I pray their mother is strong enough to support her children though this ordeal.
I pray for myself, and the rest of the staff in my school, that we can give this little boy and his sister the love and support they need from us right now.

Apparently (from what I hear) Jared's father had some connection to ODB and was taken out because of it. Here's the link to the newspaper story if you want to read it:

http://www.nj.com/search/...ournal?njc



Thanks for reading guys, I know this is rather hard to follow, I'm just so angry and scared and upset by this.

I certainly will say a prayer for Jared, his family, you and your school.

One of my friends recently lost her young teen son. He was hit by a train These kinds of things are just so senseless and there really never ever ever ever seems to be answers to the "why" but I think that people who so clearly care about the outcome, like yourself, are there to help soften, shape, make sense of the senseless. I'm really sorry to hear this news Sweeners and I know this isn't a "look at me" thread but I did want to say that I applaud the work that you do and that I love you

Nothinbutjoy said:

Thank you. It means so much to me.

My prayers

Smooches;)

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

I'm sorry to hear about your friend's son.
and Thank you Richard, I love you too.

Sweeny79 said:

Thanks for sharing this. Indeed a shame. He will be in my prayers.

Miguel

MsMisha319 said:

MIGUELGOMEZ said:

Thank you Miguel

Even though I have what you called short attention span, there are those times where it's worth fighting it and reading to the end. This is one of those times.
I'm sorry to hear these news. Sounds like a great kid with beautiful dreams and lots of care. This could and probably will change his attitude. I hope he's strong enough in his beliefs to continue with his beautiful self without closing up.

My condolances to his family
He's lucky to have a teacher like you who noticed how special he is, and care about him.

Heavenly said:

Thank you Cutiepie

You know you have every prayer that lives within me, love...and Jared does as well.

Strength, understanding and peace within to Jared and his family...

Steadwood said:

Thank you Steadwood , maybe when he comes back to school I'll let him hold on to the troll doll for a while as a security blanket.

Byron said:

Thank you hon.

Sweeny79 said:

I'll send him one if that's ok....

Steadwood said:

Thank you but there's no need for that love.

Sweeny, my dad was killed when I was 2 years old and with support and guidance,he has a chance! It is really tough growing up without a father. Sometimes I have felt as if I was only half a person. But there is always hope. He has 2 just keep pushing on. He is going to need more people in his lfe to care for him and to teach him but with your concern and support,Im sure he already has a leg up!

irresistibleb1tch said:

I'm so scared for him, you could only imagine.

dreamfactory313 said:

I know there is always a chance,but I also see so much of this I know what can and does happen to most children that suffer through this. I'm glad you were one of the exceptions.

Thank you for your kind words

Nothinbutjoy said:

cosign... Kim

Natisse said:

Thanks Tisse

Pearle said:

I have a feeling it'd take more than this to shut out a light as bright as how Jared sounds.

Sending all my best to him, his family and all the friends he's made and will make.

subhuman09 said:

I hope so. Thank you

Jared has my prayers.

sag10 said:

Thank you Sag.

For Jared and his sister.

He sounds like a wonderful little boy.