I kept thinking about this boy who tried to save his cousin all day.... Imagining his bravery....
I don't know all the details. I wasn't there.
I do know that he made the choice to jump in to try to save the other boy. He saw that he desperately needed help, and tried to save him. But the water current was stronger than anticipated. Faster than he thought. He had to take his chances to pull himself out of the water and run for help instead.
After hearing the news, I kept my cool this morning... I gave support and hugs to those who needed it more. I returned smiles. I said please and thank you. I let the other person go first. I waved at our school crossing guard, greeted an elderly man named Joe. I even went on a field trip with my son's class. I went through my routines. I stayed busy. Then I think, how many kids did the same today? How many kids went through the motions today? Who hid behind smiles?
It wasn't until I arrived at work that I discovered that we personally knew the boy who tried to save him. He came to help my kid with afterschool snack each day. He always greeted me by name, arrived on time, acknowledged my son, and never complained. I was happy to have extra support, and help. And he was happy to get a snack. Even if he wasn't hungry, he just came to help because he didn't want to let me down!
So once again, I find myself having to address a sensitive topic with my son. I would have to explain the uncontrollable circumstances. I would have to watch my child try desperately to fight back tears. But I know confronting difficult topics teaches my child how to communicate his feelings and fears.
And I am glad I can talk to my child. I'm glad in return, he will listen. I'm glad that we have supportive friends and family. And I'm glad we live in a school community that is stronger than that water current. I'm glad that we live in a community that is faster than water at providing support and help to one another.
I am grateful to live in a community where we lead by example. We are unafraid to reach out to those who need assistance. I am happy to bring my child up in a school community that wants to help.
So here is my shout out to the teachers, parents and kids.... Thank you for choosing to be here for those who need you now. Thanks for speaking up. Thank you for listening. Thank you for choosing to give comfort to the families who are hurting.
Because right now, what we have is Acceptance. Patience. Strength. Understanding. Spirit. And Love.
We are here. We will listen. We will try to help. We are thinking of you. And we will not let you down. Just like this one brave kid we know.
