The Unexpected Gift

* Grace I heard the beeping sound that announced the intercom was turned on, giving the whole school notice that an announcement was about to be made. I paused The Grinch that I had been playing on my projector, and started to gather the attention of my classroom. Trying to get the students and parents alike to be quiet so we could all hear the announcement. My students, being well-trained, quieted down quickly. It took the parents a little longer to stop their conversations. “Happy Holidays!” Our principal stated over the intercom to the entire school. I could tell it was her by the very fake voice that came scratching through the intercom. “I wanted to thank all the parents that were able to make it today to celebrate this wonderful season with our students. But as our Christmas parties started to wrap up.” There was a slight pause in her speech, and I couldn’t help but roll my eyes, I knew what was coming next. “Haha, just a little Christmas pun for everyone.” I could also hear others in the background laughing as well, must be the ladies in the office. “But seriously, I wanted to thank everyone and parents if you can start making your way shortly out of the classrooms. Our parties are coming to an end in about 30 minutes, and it is getting close to the time that our school will close down for the winter break. Remember if you would like to take your bright scholars home now, please sign them out with the teachers. Thank you again and have a wonderful holiday.” I heard the sound of the intercom turning off, indicating the announcement was over. While the class was still somewhat quiet, I took the opportunity to address the room as well. “OK, parents, thank you again for coming. It has been an amazing year so far, and I can’t believe that we are already going into our winter break. Please do not forget to sign your students out before you leave.” I pointed over to the sign-out sheet that I had posted up by the door, right next to the large red arrow that states “Take your Grinch with you”. “Also, please feel free to help yourselves to seconds, there is more than plenty of food left over. And anything you eat now, I will not have to eat over the break.” I stated half joking. Finished with my little statement, I started The Grinch backup for the few students still concerned with watching it. And started getting busy trying to somewhat organize the table with all the food left on it. Man, I hope some of the parents take some of this stuff home with them. “Mrs. Jones, would it be OK if we took a plate to go. I really need to get going, but I feel bad leaving you without helping to pick up anything.” Mrs. Rios stated. I turned to look at her as she was talking. She had a baby on the hip and one in the stroller, and Jason, her student in my class, was trying to gather everything that he got today at our party. “Of course, Mrs. Rios, there is way more than enough. And I was only half joking. What does not get eaten now or taken home by parents, will be taken to my house and then probably wasted because I can not eat all this myself? Take what you want and then some.” I stated softly. Mrs. Rios looked a little embarrassed to even have asked. She was even looking around the classroom, like she was looking at the other parents, worried about their judgment. I felt bad for her. As Jason’s teacher, I have learned of their at home situation, and they were struggling right now, and it broke my heart that they were going through such a hard time. She is a single mother now that her good for nothing husband skipped town with someone half her age. She is finding it hard to hold down a job with the youngest child only being a year old. That was one of the reasons why I nominated their family for the Angles Gifts at the beginning of December. Everything the kids could need was provided for them for Christmas. I couldn’t help but request her family as who I am to gift. I have absolutely fallen in love with Jason over the short time I have had him this school year. He is just the sweetest young gentleman ever. Always eager to help out wherever needed. I guess that comes from having to help out so much at home. “Hey, Mrs. Rios. Tell you what, why don’t you help Jason get all his things together. He looks like he may be struggling to get it all in his bag.” I told her. She turned to look at him and we both started laughing at the look of frustration on his face from him not being able to get everything nice and organized in his bag. An aspect I think can be attributed to his borderline COD behaviors. Mrs. Rios looked at me with a smile and the look of love in her eyes. “I think you may be right. I will be back in a second and make that to-go plate.” I stopped her from walking off, “Don’t worry about it, I will get you that plate packed up for you while you help him out. From the looks of it, it may take you a minute or two.” Glancing back over towards Jason, we now see he has dumped out his whole bag to start over again. We both laugh again before she walks off to help him. I take a second to watch her before I get started making up a plate for her. I make sure that I put enough food there for all the kids and her for at least a snack and dinner. That is one less thing she will have to worry about once she gets home. My heart goes out for her. I know what it is like to struggle and not having anyone there to help out. So, even with the little amount that I know her, I feel that what little help I can provide will be just that much more. There were times that I wished there was someone there to help me, so if I can be that person for someone else, it makes this time of year a little bit more bearable.