I wrote a sentence on the whiteboard during class today. It started with “How will you…”.
Over Christmas my niece and nephew were swinging. I was telling my sister how in elementary school my friend had his ear nearly torn off because it hit the swing next to his. And no I wasn’t trying to freak her out. yes, I promise. Just one of those childhood memories that jumps out at you. The friend and I grew up together. Then in 8th grade his family moved and we hadn’t talked since. Last night I got an email from him. One of those unexpected pleasant surprises.
I shared with him that I had just been talking to my sister about the ear story. He remarked that it’s better to be remembered for something rather than nothing at all.
Yes I remember the ear plus a flood of childhood memories. I remember being in a bus line and being picked on by someone. Him sticking up for me. I remember that. Just like the friend that lived between us gave the kid a bloody nose in kindergarten because the kid took some of my blocks. I grew up with friends that stood up for me.
The thing is I couldn’t stand up for myself back then. It would lead to self-esteem issues for years. Yet there was something I really learned through those experiences. It is nice when you have people around that support you.
I was driving to work today thinking about that bus line and memories.
At the start of the day I wrote a sentence on the board. I then launched into the story of how I heard from a friend and how I could remember the ear and that bus line. It was over sixteen years ago and I still remember that.
Earlier in the week I had a girl come into class who was concerned about a kid at recess. The kid was just hanging out on the wall all sad so she asked him what was wrong. He didn’t have any friends to play with. She tried to help him and was unsuccessful so she came up with the idea that the counselor might have an idea to help him.
I told her story to the kids today and the kind of positive impact she is having on people. She is leaving an impression on people. I told her that I will remember her as such a caring individual. She just beamed the whole time.
I wouldn’t have done that little “lesson” if it wouldn’t have been for the things that have shaped me. Also if it wouldn’t have been for the people that have been in my life. I can only say that our little class discussion was huge for that girl. Yet, as I write I’m wondering if it wasn’t even huger for me.
How will you be remembered?