EVERYONE NEEDS SOMEONE

I was a substitute for a group of first graders the last week of school. It was an exciting time.  Awards day came and the students wanted everyone to see their reward for hard work.

That morning, one of the boys was upset. He knew his mother would be attending an awards ceremony for his brother who was at another school. He cried because he would miss seeing her. He got a stomach ache because he wanted to be with her. He asked to be sent home. I kept telling him that the school day would be over soon and he would see his mother.

Finally, at the end of the day, we had our awards ceremony. The children's names were called and they received their certificates. Parents applauded. Then this boy's name was called. He didn't just get a certificate. He also received a trophy. For what? Perfect attendance. To receive this particular trophy, he couldn't be late or go home early, either. Had he checked out early on that day, he wouldn't have been eligible.

His mother and grandmother were there to see him get his award. The boy wore a huge grin when he saw them.

Receiving awards is a great thing. Having someone to share the moment with, is far greater.