gift card tree story
One of our teachers is getting married this New Year's and, as is tradition, we did a shower for her today. (We had conferences in the morning, so no kids, so we did a lunch "mocktail" party with appetizers, etc.) Another tradition we have is to do a gift card tree. Everyone donates a gift card (of whatever amount they wish, from wherever they wish) and they are wrapped/ribboned and put on a small Christmas tree. A very talented staff member found a silver tree, and covered it with decorations and the cards wrapped in metallic paper and ribbons in the bride to be's wedding colours. It was, of course, a hit. Meanwhile, an ex student (with a very troubled history) showed up, unexpectedly, at our school. Without going into too much detail, his mom sent him, by bus, across town, in freezing weather, to spend the day "visiting" friends. However, since no plans were actually made, when he arrived in his old neighbourhood (they moved last year to get away from our meddlesome school), no one was home. He was out on his own with nowhere to go in the cold. (He was supposed to call and she'd tell him how to get on a bus, but he didn't know her cell number.) I'm so proud of him...he came back to us. He knew it was a safe place (he's only ten by the way). We took him in for the day, contacted the authorities, and even loaded him up with the biggest plate of food (leftovers from the shower) for a late lunch (he hadn't had any as mom assumed once he found a friend to visit they would feed him). He inhaled it. He visited, helped out, and spent the day in a warm, safe place while the authorities searched for her, and he was eventually escorted home by someone from CFS (I pray that this time they'll actually DO something more than just scold). I noticed, however, that as he left, he carried the silver tree (without the gift cards, but still with all the decorations). I knew that our bride to be LOVED the little tree, and had planned on keeping it in her apartment, so I had to ask. He'd spent time with her in her room, and shared details of his life now (just as sad). He mentioned that mom said no tree this year...she couldn't afford it. (She also spends what she has on very inappropriate things, but I digress.) My colleague said it broke her heart, so she gave him the tree to take with him, and keep. (And, she also gave him the gift card she'd received for a local grocery store chain...and told him to keep it a secret...it was for him, and he could share with his siblings if he wanted as well.) It really touched my heart and I wanted to share the story. What a kind thing to do. |
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 Happy and sad tears..... What a nice gesture! This is why I love this time of year! It is all about giving.... Well, I am at a loss right now for words.. Thank you for sharing that very touching story!  |
| A wonderful.......and very sad story. |
| Both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Thanks for sharing the story with us. |
| Isn't it a wondrous thing how things work out sometimes? Thanks for sharing, one of the true meanings of the holidays. |
| It was so nice that he knew he had a safe place to go and friends that would be there for him. How terrible for a 10 year old boy. Your friend did a wonderful thing for him by giving him the tree and gift card and I'm sure he will remember this day for a very long time. Maybe next year will be better. |
That poor boy  I'm sure you guys made that boy's holiday season more special. And on a similar note - have you seen the movie The Blind Side? It was on TV last night - Todd was watching it when I got home from work. It totally sucked me in, and I NEVER watch movies. Amazing true story of how people who cared changed a young man's life.  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0878804/ |
| OMG! What a heartwarming albeit sad story. Your teacher colleague is a hero in my eyes - she gave that poor little soul hope that the world is not as bad as he thinks sometimes. I hope the authorities can get the little guy out of that situation, before something terrible happens to him. Thank you so much for sharing this story! |
Quote: And on a similar note - have you seen the movie The Blind Side? It was on TV last night - Todd was watching it when I got home from work. It totally sucked me in, and I NEVER watch movies. Amazing true story of how people who cared changed a young man's life. That was such an awesome movie, Dawn! I had heard the story during a football game... this was before it was made into a movie. I saw the movie a few months ago and would already love to see it again. |
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