The other morning, Destiny, a student of mine from last year, came into my classroom while I was in the middle of taking attendance and handed me a Christmas box, asking me to please give it to Anali, my student from last year who had surgery to remove a brain tumor.
I assumed the box was a belated Christmas gift, told her, “Oh, sure, that’s nice of you.” I put it down and continued what I was doing until later in the day when I had a moment to look at it closer. Curious, I lifted the lid.
Soon after we heard the news of Anali’s diagnosis, I had a conversation with my class about chemotherapy and the havoc that it wreaks on a cancer patient’s body, including hair loss.
“What do they do after they lose their hair? Just be bald forever?” one student inquired.
“No,” I replied, “Usually they wear hats, caps, and scarves over their heads until their hair grows back. Or some people buy wigs. Actually, people donate their hair so wigs can be made for cancer patients.”
That was all that we discussed on the topic.
Destiny cut her hair and gave it to Anali, thinking she could make a wig out of it. Of course, I had failed to explain how people actually donate their hair to an organization that makes wigs. But this act of kindness on Destiny’s part touched me so much that after school I walked to each of my teammate’s rooms to show them was what held inside that Christmas box. This was, by far, the most generous gift I saw all season.
In Destiny's behalf, I will donate the hair to Locks of Love.
42 comments:
What a precious, heartfelt, unselfish gift. I nominate her for student of the year.
Jason, this is the kind of real-life conversation that those kids will value & be blessed by all of their lives. It will also bless all cancer patients with whom your students have contact. I wish more teachers would teach from life the way you do. You are a gem.
So thoughtful of Destiny. She made me cry. Will you let Anali see the hair before sending to LofL?
Oh wow, that is so incredible! What a kind, loving kid!!! Give her an extra hug for me. :)
Oh Jason. I love this so much. It warms my heart. To the very core. Beautiful. What a beautiful person Destiny is.
A second post leaving me feeling very sober. In a good way. What a good man you are. Destiny must have a lot of good examples in her life.
that is the most kind and thoughtful gift.
just Awesome!
that is the sweetest thing ever!
And those that say that kids "don't get it" when it comes to the tough stuff need to read this story.
LOVE THIS! Thank you for sharing!
What a sweet kid. And what a lovely gesture.
The weight of that little girl's feelings for her classmate ran very deep...she's a very kind soul. I just found out one of my former kindergartners who played soccer with my son has been dx with ewings sarcoma...it's a long hard road...so difficult for kids and teens.
She is truly a kind and beautiful child. I think she will live up to her name.
So very touching.
That is so, soo sweet!
How incredibly sweet!
I love it. I'm glad you posted about it.
Destiny rocks! Her sweet act of kindness brought tears to my eye's...what a great teacher you are to teach your students about these things. What a gift you gave them which resulted in this sweet heartfelt gift she gave. Awesome!
That is so touching. What a sweet girl. I know how much love is there, as my own granddaughter grows her hair out and then donates it for locks of love. Kids never cease to amaze me. Thanks for sharing this tender story.
Thinking of others cannot begin too soon, can it? Sweet gesture on Destiny's part. Sometimes I wonder if all the cell phones are part of the reason why more people have brain tumors these days. So sad for a child to have to endure the surgery and the rest of the treatments ahead.
Sweet story.
Once again I'm reminded of how many things 'stick' with kids. That small conversation with your kids made them all think... and made a lasting impression.
So glad you are where you are to pass those lessons on.
That is so sweet!
There is nothing more beautiful than a child's loving heart.
Tears! What a sweet, innocent, hopeful gift.
Jason - thanks so much for sharing this sweet story.
god bless her soul, both the giver and the ill girl. what a beautiful act of kindness and love from destiny.
beautiful, just beautiful. and karen g. is so right, you ARE a gem and make such a difference in your kids lives.
ps
my word verif. is "inareek" as in "my hair is inareek in this vindy city"!!! lmao
So sweet!!!!
Oh how sweet. Thanks for sharing.
Destiny is well-named. She will do great things in this life. Thank you for sharing her story.
I read this yesterday and didn't leave a comment. Clicked on it again today and just by seeing the pictures I teared up again so I had to let you know. Thanks for you posts.
That brought tears to my eyes. My little boy (10 years old) is getting ready to start chemotherapy. He has a head of beautiful, thick, blonde hair. Last night he told me that he wanted to shave his head and save a lock of the hair for his two best friends (who are girls) "because they love his soft hair". My wish for him is to have a friend as great as Destiny. What a sweetie.
Tears are running down my face. What a sweet thoughtful child, who learned from you.
Postcard Cindy
reading something as sweet and beautiful as this, gives me faith in the world as a whole again.
so wonderful.
thank you for sharing this with us jason....you're pretty much one of "the good guys", too!!
*tears* That is so sweet!
That is the most adorable thing I have ever heard. What a great story.
Who would ever forget this story?! One of those to 'hold on to'. We don't hear enough of these acts of kindness. Thanks Jason.
Love.
This is just beautiful. What a wonderful, giving and selfless child Destiny is. Please tell her how much she has touched us and encouraged us to be kind to others...
Can't remember how I found your blog but I love that story for many reasons. Thanks for sharing it.
That is one of the sweetest stories I have ever heard. Children can be so sweet in their innocence.
Come by my blog and pick up your Stylish Blogger Award, mister Jason.
Oh my god are you serious? That is the sweetest thing I've ever heard.
Wow.
Tears, tears, and more tears.
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