Tuesday, February 24, 2009

How Did I Get So Lucky?

I helped Z's teacher last Friday. After school she pulled me and Z aside and asked the other lingering kids to give us some privacy. OH MAN!! My heart started to race in the fears that he had done something wrong. I braced myself and this is what she said. "I just want you to know what an amazing son you have. We had a new girl in our class and she wasn't the cleanest, or the most well dressed. She had a boy's haircut and mostly wore boys clothes. Your son was the only one in the class that was nice to her. All of the other kids made fun of her and were very mean to her. Z let her sit by him in class and at lunch. He made sure that she was included in play at recess. For this, Z was made fun of as well. The kids teased him for being a friend to this little girl. Z has such a big heart and he is very compassionate. I appreciate his example and his willingness to make her feel welcome."

My heart broke when I found out the kids made fun of him. I asked him if it hurt his feelings and he replied, "Nope. I knew that I was doing what was right by being her friend. The kids still played with me at recess so I really didn't care what they said." His teacher had a talk with the class, telling them that what they were doing was wrong and that this little girl really needed support and friends. It turns out that she is not living with either one of her parents but with either a grandma or an aunt. They did the bear minimum for her--thus the reason she had a boy's haircut and hand-me-down clothes from her boy cousins. She ended up only staying here for a few weeks and then she was shipped off to another aunt.

I am so blessed to have Z as my son. He is such an AMAZING boy!! I am so glad that he chose the right regardless of what the other kids said and did. He never ceases to amaze me with his kind heart and his willingness to help. Z, I love you so much and I couldn't have asked for a better son!!

49 comments:

Kristina P. said...

What an amazing son you have there! And clearly, you have done something right.

It always makes me so sad when I see kids getting bullied. I was bullied when I was young, and it really sticks with you.

Melissa said...

Awwwwe...what a wonderful little man you have there.

Go MOM!!! You're obviously doing something right.

in time out said...

YOU are amazing, and so kind. I can tell you that I know that because you write with passion, love, and reality. And the fact that you son is who he is is a reflection of YOU. I am glad you came out today. Thanks for sharing a piece of you that truly means so much to me. Love and hugs. and WRITE. You are amazing. When I read you I too feel better, and not alone. ♥

Kristen said...

Just shows what a GREAT mom he has!

I hope all goes well March 26th

Brooke said...

What a sweet boy. That story brought tears to my eyes! I love it when people do the right thing. I only hope I can raise my kids to do the right thing all the time, too.

Jillybean said...

What a great kid!

Unknown said...

i know your son has learned from the best..

Jules AF said...

aww cute.

Michelle said...

Wow, I am impressed. What a great kid! And I concur with everyone else. Just shows what a great mom he has!!

Lara Neves said...

He obviously has a wonderful mother! This made me cry a little.

Liz said...

wow! You should be proud, and your heart should be singing. I hope someday, my kids will have learned good lessons like that. Tell your son that he will be more liked.. keep doing what he is doing!
liz

Me (aka Danielle) said...

What a sweet sweet boy you have! Ms. Jillene...this should be assurance that you have done something right! You should be P.R.O.U.D.!!

a Tonggu Momma said...

What an amazingly compassionate heart he has...

Lisa said...

Awwww...Jillene. That was so sweet it brought tears to my eyes. How wonderful that he is so kind and compassionate! That is huge!

Debbi said...

Aww. Good parenting day for sure! And good for the teacher to tell you about it. It reminds me to tell people GOOD things once in a while, too!

rachel said...

What a wonderful boy! Jillene this was a beautiful post- thanks for sharing it :)

Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boys said...

Sounds like a great little kid you have there....he must have a really great mom :-)

rychelle said...

this seriously made me tear up.

my stay-at-home-momma drama said...

You story brought tears to my eyes. I believe it is true that it doesn't matter how many possessions we accumulate in this life . . . how big our house is, what car we drive, etc. If the children we raise don't become good and true people, we should be considered failures. Congratulations for raising such a fine young man! This story is every mom's dream.

Strawberry Shortcake said...

That is so sweet! What a good boy you have and what a compassionate mother he has to teach him to be kind and strong. Wonderful, thanks for sharing :)

Anonymous said...

What a great little guy you have there. It's what we all hope our kids do when we're not watching. You've taught him well!

Country Mouse, City Mouse said...

Oh what an excellent little boy. You must be so proud of him, isn't this what we hope for with our children? Kids can be so cruel. I feel so sorry for this little girl.

Christa said...

It's really nice when kids get the whole Christ-like love and compassion stuff.

Bobie said...

Awww how sweet!

Just SO said...

How old is your Z? Maybe we can make an arranged marriage with one of my daughters. I have an 11 year old and a 6 year old.

Seriously that is so great that he did that. It not only shows what a great heart he has but what great parents he has that have taught him what is right and how to treat people.

Jessica said...

What an great story! You are lucky. This is a story worth writing down, saving, and repeating!

heather said...

That is truly extraordinary and speaks volumes about him and his personality and the morals he has been raised with! Good for him, good for you, and lets hope the best for that poor little girl.

Paige said...

That is proof right there that you have done a good job! Congrats!

Femin Susan said...

Hi,
Congratulations....Your posting is very interesting...Keep writing..

Jo said...

He learned from the best mama! Your kindness and compassion have touched him and you have given him room to grow into a kind boy, who will grow into a compassionate man.

Anonymous said...

very cool thing to be proud of, what a kid! kudos mom!

Dawn Parsons Smith said...

What a wonderful young man you have there, Jillene! I would be so proud too! What a wonderful post!
(So glad you're back!)

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in time out said...

Came by to see how you are doing. Hope well today. hugs.

B said...

What a darling boy you have.

Anonymous said...

Very inspirational story. I enjoyed reading your post this afternoon.

Anyway, always try to leave a comment when I find a blog where there is a post I enjoyed.

Thanks,
The Constant Complainer
Cleveland, OH

Sheri, RN said...

You really have an amazing kid right there. I'd be very proud of him for doing the right thing in that situation too. Thanks for sharing with us!

Jen said...

Wow Jillene...that put a lump right there in my throat! What pride and joy you must've felt as you see your son demonstrate all the good qualities you've been trying to instill! What an awesome feeling! Kudos! I'm so proud of Z.

Anonymous said...

Hello! :)

Lee said...

That's an amazing story, Jillene. It shows how great of a son you have. We need more kids like this in our society.

Anonymous said...

Wow, what an AMAZING kid!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

That warms my heart. What a terrific boy he is!!!!

Heather of the EO said...

Oh Jilene, I hope I get to say this about my boys one day. Give yourself some credit too, you're a good mom to have such a compassionate boy!

Bonnie the Boss said...

Wow! what a great kid!

Anonymous said...

That is so beautiful.

It's also good to see that the teacher took the time to let you know. I think that people sometimes focus so much on the negative that they don't reinforce the positive.

What a wonderful kid. Must be the parenting... :)

Wendyburd1 said...

That is one amazing kid. I wish there had been a kid like him when I was little, I was bullied and it sucks, so good kids are amazing!! I would have walked out of there puffed up like a ...hmm I have no clue as a word to use!! LOL!

kel said...

You're teaching him right,mom!! good for him!!

in time out said...

hey...blog rolled you today. i can't believe that I didn't already have you there. I am worried girl. are you doing okay? let us know. hugs.

tiki_lady said...

I love your son, Do you live in UT? just shows that not all children have the true understanding of being christlike, no matter where you live.

He is an amazing little boy. I know it must be a gift he was sent to earth with.

My heart just broke into a million peices for this little girl. What a strong spirit she must be to have life experiences like that. It makes me sad that my children have so much love and support from us as parents and even their aunts and uncles. I wish I could give a bit more of those experiences to her and others like her. Prayers going up.