Quote of the week plus a tidbit...

So, first off, hats of to my little brother, ScienceGuy. He wrote in to add to my list of movies down Memory Lane. I highly recommend you read the 1 Comment below the Trip Down Memory Lane Post, he highlighted some gems from our childhood! I can't believe I forgot some of those! I tell ya, the 80's were something else! Thanks ScienceGuy, you brought a smile to Shortone's face! :-)

In pondering what to share today, I think I will go for the quote of the week. I saw 3 movies today, none of which were worth the money it cost to rent them, so I won't even ramble about them.

Anyway, this week I went to Fantastic Caverns with 100 Fourth Graders. I will admit, this is my favorite field trip of the year. I have been to this cave many, many times, but it still fascinates me. And, of course, it's just fun to see it through the eyes of children who have never been there. Kids can say the darndest things!

So on day #1 I was paired up with DJ. DJ is the poster-child for ADHD medication, and I've said all year if I could sponsor a kid to be on meds, he'd be the one I would shell out cash to do it! He's a sweet kid, but can't sit still to save his life.

As it turned out, his teacher made us "buddies" for the day. I was actually okay with it because I know he's from a dysfunctional family, and he needed to go on this trip with someone who genuinely cares for him. I was smart and planned ahead though, and took my Gameboy. I also took a book. I knew he could sit and do a Gameboy for a 3 hour bus ride (round trip) and I would be able to read. I was right. Go figure, the kid can't sit still through a writing lesson of mine but he can sit still for 3 hours with a Gameboy. Go figure.

Anyway, he did great on the trip. I was really proud of him. And after the cave tour we were eating lunch, and DJ came up and hugged me and held on. I just held onto him. I know he struggles, but he really is a good kid.

Just as I let go of him, he looked at me and said, "I wish you were my Mom."

I stopped.

I know kids say stuff sometimes just to say it. And I know this kid craves for attention more than most of my other little people, but I know he meant it.

Of course, I knew I couldn't take it too seriously in front of him because it could get me in deep trouble if he re-told the story later to someone else and misinterpretted stuff I said, so I just looked at him and said, "Well, you know that is really sweet, but you realize if I took you home, I'd wind up in jail for kidnapping, and lose my job, and then you wouldn't even be able to see me anymore because I would lose my teaching license and I wouldn't be allowed to see you anymore."

He laughed.

Then I hugged him, and then we had our picture taken together.

I plan on giving him a copy.

I hope I never forget that moment.

It was a highlight of my week!

Later!