Thursday, November 25, 2010

Real Life Conversations at School: Thankful edition

The backstory:  Working with teenagers means high emotions.  Several times each year I spend time with a tearful or angst-ridden teenager who has been disappointed by something or someone.  When that happens, I listen, offer the usual sensible advice, and then gently point out that if this is the biggest disappointment to ever come their way they will have a very happy life.  On Monday, one of my Model Congress team members came by to review the weekend's events and I expected to trot out my usual platitude.

Senator X:  To be honest, Ms. Sassafras, I thought that I might win a gavel.

Me:  I thought so too; debating ideas is your strong suit.  But you never know how these things can play out.  What would you have done different?

Senator X:  I haven't really been thinking about that.  But I have been thinking that I've got a lot to be thankful for.  Even if I never win a gavel, I've got a pretty great life.  I'm at this school, my family is healthy, my parents are happy and good to me.  I've just got a lot to be thankful for.  So it will be okay.

Me:  Young man, you are wise beyond your years.

Conversations like this are a reminder of why I am so thankful for my job.  And there is much more for me to grateful about: I am thankful for a healthy family, a laughing son, a comfortable home, my garden, my cats, and so much more.  I hope that you have much to be celebrate today.

Happy Thanksgiving!

1 comment:

Chelle said...

Wow, what a treasure that student is. Hope you and JT are having a wonderful Thanksgiving.