Sad Day

One of my favorite things as a teacher is seeing one of my past students that I haven't seen in a long time.  Because my school is pre-k only, I do not get to share the pleasure that so many other teachers have of getting to watch their ex-students grow up throughout grade school.  Today, I got to see one of my students from my 2nd year of teaching, so it's been close to 3 years since I've seen him.  Sadly, it was pretty heartbreaking.  He's in his 3rd month of chemo and radiation at Texas Children's Hospital.  He's already had major surgery, and a long scar goes from almost the base of his neck to midway up the back of his head where a brain tumor was removed.  The kid I remembered was this little short, pudgy kid with long hair.  The kid I saw today was tall and gaunt with just a fraction of noticeable stubble on his head.  His voice was weak, and he seemed tired, which is understandable.  As a grown man I can't imagine going through what he's going through now, and he's only 7. 

All that said, it really hit home to me that I can expect more of these situations as I continue to teach. Some of my students will become sports stars that I'll be able to read about in the local paper.  Some will become great students who go on to be successful in various professions.  However, some will become sick, and some will commit crimes, and some will never amount to much at all.  And that's sad.