Heartsongs

I had a "moment" today that touched my heart that I can't get off my mind. I thought this story might touch some other hearts, too.

I have a student whose home was destroyed in a fire this past Monday night. They are a family with two parents, three kids, and very very little in the form of "stuff". Two of the kiddos go to school where I teach. One in the 5th grade, another in the 6th - both girls - with an older brother.

Flashing back to Tuesday, I noticed that "T" wasn't in class. She is NEVER absent. Ever. Late in the day, I heard the news. Oh, God. Please don't let it be true.

It was.

"T" returned to class Wednesday, I gave her a hug and let her know I loved her. She thanked me with tears in her eyes and never let her smile leave her face, just like always. I actually have her for a big chunk of the day...and my last class with her is a class of 7 people. She got to be my special helper that day and toward the end of class, I took a risk by asking a question about what she had been through... I simply asked, "what were you able to get out of the house"?? She told me that she was able to grab her jacket, a pair of jeans, some school supplies, and her candy canes from Christmas. She began to open up and re-live the events of that night. Heartbreaking.

She asked to go to the restroom, so I took the opportunity to ask the class, while she was gone, to make her some cards and turn them into me on Friday (today). Cards started pouring in. Many of them had sweet notes, lots of misspelled words, an a lot of them even had one or two dollars attached!

Fast forward to today...I gave "T" the cards that her classmates had made her and she was so sweet about it. She giggled and smiled real big and "awwwwwww" came out of her mouth dozens of times. She was very secretive about the money, not making a big scene about it like most 5th graders would do.

While we were walking to lunch, she walked by me. I asked her what she was going to buy with all of her dollars and she said, "Well, it looks like I'm going to need to buy a lot of thank you cards."

What a kid! What a heart!

I immediately felt very shameful for my mindset lately. How can I get "down and out" about any situation I might be in?? How can I consider a day "a bad day"? How can I wish that I had a bigger place with more room? How can I wish that I had a better car? I have a place to live, I have a car, I have nice clothes, and nice things. I have a beautiful baby boy, I have a Savior, and great friends. I have a family that loves me. Let's take away the home and car and clothes and stuff. The Savior, the son, the family, the friends. THAT is everything. THAT is wonderful.

"T" has it all figured out. 11 years old and wise beyond any stretch of even my imagination. People are the only thing that remain in her life. She values those people far more than she values any of the material things she lost in the fire. Putting others FIRST was her first instinct, despite her situation. She was willing to sacrifice her wants....and probably even her needs, to thank others.

How many times have I stayed in my little pity party without thanking those who support me, pray for me, check on me, and send thoughts my way?? Countless!

I can imagine that her Heartsong is the most beautiful sound in the world.

I hope she rubs off of me.