Show & Tell in a High School Class: He's shot!

As a teacher I shouldn't have favorites but I do... I just hide it. This day one of my favorites was giving her show & tell. We have a history, I taught her last semester and I have seen her come such a long...long way. She has transformed from a very ADD / foul mouthed student to my number one helper. Tough girl from a tough neighborhood already living a tough life.

She brought an obituary from her cousin. Same age as her. They were raised together and living in NY. They had gone to a party at her request. While there her cousin was shot in a gang related incident. He died in her presence. She shared that she felt it was her fault because she asked him to go to the party. As a result of this incident (her words) She was shipped to NC to live with other family members so she would not be around that gang. She has never mentioned a mom. Only a dad in NY and Aunts here. The one year anniversary is approaching for both the death & his birthday. She is planning to travel to NY for his birthday celebration..as all the family will be gathering together to remember him.

I assured her it was not her fault. If the gang had something against him, they would have approached him one day or the next. I know she said, but I still feel guilty. "Be safe" I said... "It's good you are here" I encouraged her to make wise choices if she goes back for a visit. Again... I am given many reasons to pray, and pray I will do!