Today I cried at work. Not because I dislike my job, or because it is just too hard, though it really is. I cried for a child, a child who spoke so innocently about food and the lack of it.
He asked me when the lady who puts food in his backpack would be coming. For a moment I froze, because that lady is our guidance counselor and I honestly did not know the answer. I told him I wasn’t sure since this was a short week. His response broke me. He said he was out of food at home and needed more.
I tried to make it light and asked what he liked best from the bag. Was it the macaroni bowls, or maybe the crackers? He shook his head. I asked about the spaghetti o’s and he laughed, telling me no, those were not in there. Then it happened. He held up his little hand, made a small circle with his fingers, and said, “those little o’s, we don’t have those at my house, but when I do have them they give me a warm belly and help me sleep.”
Right there in front of twenty little ones, I cried. No child should ever know the feeling of hunger.
The moment I could, I texted my teacher group. These are the people who hear it all the time, that teachers spend their own money. And yes, we do. We do it to make sure our kids have what they need to succeed. That day we pooled our money and bought food. We made sure this sweet child got his spaghetti o’s.
I am not sharing this for praise. None of us did it for recognition. I share this because teachers are human. We love your kids. We want the best for them. Some days we are frustrated, some days we feel overwhelmed, but then there are days like this when we know without a doubt that what we do matters. Will it show on a test score? No. Do we care? Not at all.
Today I am thankful for my school family, big and small. It truly takes a village. Teaching is an emotional rollercoaster, but moments like this make every tear worth it. To all my fellow teachers, keep going. You are making a difference, even on the days you feel unseen.
And now something beautiful has grown out of this moment. We are starting a food pantry for our students. A place where children can get food whenever they need it. If you feel moved to help, we are accepting food donations as well as hygiene products. Donations can be sent to:
Jacksboro Elementary School
164 Jacksboro Elementary School Road
Jacksboro, TN 37757
Attention: Food Pantry
Thank you for helping us take care of our kids. Credit to the original storyteller for sharing this moment that opened so many hearts.