That Little Girl With the Crooked Pigtails…
can’t wait to reach the door of her classroom and hug you, every single morning.
knows you will welcome her with a smile, and that makes her feel special.
thinks sitting in the back row next to your desk is perfect. In fact, sitting any place in your classroom is her favorite.
loves school; it’s her safe place.
wishes you knew how much you meant to her.
would like to tell you why she “cold-stares” at the kids that make fun of her. In fact, she wishes she could tell you that she has mastered that look to hide the band-aids that are attempting to hold her broken heart together.
swallows hard and says, “Fine” when asked how her night was.
will not tell you the truth about what’s happening in her mind and heart no matter how hard you might pry. Never.
wishes you knew she hides in the wooded area behind her house to sit alone and cry rivers of tears.
wants you to know she feels like a jagged puzzle piece that never really fits in–no matter where it’s placed.
has better handwriting but had to do her homework on the shaky bus ride to school.
wishes you knew how badly she wants to make you happy, but doing homework is the last thing on her mind each evening.
is grateful you taught her to write. Years later, it’s still her passion.
when she smiles with that little twinkle in her eye, she truly believes you when you say, “You will reach your dreams one day! Keep working hard. You’re an overcomer.”
holds on to your every word when you kneel down and look her in the eyes and say, “You’re not defined by your current circumstances. You will write your own story. DREAM BIG, sweetie!”
will remember you some thirty plus years later and all of the “life-lessons” you taught her.
will come to an understanding that “ONE person believing in another” can and will reshape one’s future.
will one day pay it forward and show empathy while encouraging other students and adults to follow their passions and overcome–just like you modeled for her.
will have scars as an adult but will stand strong.
Why?
Because of YOU!
Did you make every student in your class feel like the favorite?
Most likely.
But to this ONE, YOU stood out.
You gave her hope to cling onto, and she still hasn’t let go! To this day, over three decades later, your words ring in her heart and mind.
To the Educators of the World
Your words and actions are unforgettable.
Measure what you say and how you say it. The good and the bad stick–for years and years to come.
Listen to understand ALL kids. They have a perspective, too.
Be the difference for that little girl with crooked pigtails (and the little boys) in your class, school, or district.
You never know, but one day she might sing the lyrics of Kesha‘s song to all of those that once tried to tear her down.
Praying by Kesha
Lyrics
Well, you almost had me fooled
Told me that I was nothing without you
Oh, but after everything you’ve done
I can thank you for how strong I have become
‘Cause you brought the flames and you put me through hell
I had to learn how to fight for myself
And we both know all the truth I could tell
I’ll just say this is “I wish you farewell”
I hope you’re somewhere prayin’, prayin’
I hope your soul is changin’, changin’
I hope you find your peace
Falling on your knees, prayin’
I’m proud of who I am
No more monsters, I can breathe again
And you said that I was done
Well, you were wrong and now the best is yet to come
‘Cause I can make it on my own
And I don’t need you, I found a strength I’ve never known
I’ll bring thunder, I’ll bring rain, oh
When I’m finished, they won’t even know your name
You brought the flames and you put me through hell
I had to learn how to fight for myself
And we both know all the truth I could tell
I’ll just say this is “I wish you farewell”
I hope you’re somewhere prayin’, prayin’
I hope your soul is changin’, changin’
I hope you find your peace
Falling on your knees, prayin’
Oh, sometimes, I pray for you at night
Someday, maybe you’ll see the light
Oh, some say, in life, you’re gonna get what you give
But some things only God can forgive
I hope you’re somewhere prayin’, prayin’
I hope your soul is changin’, changin’
I hope you find your peace
Falling on your knees, prayin’
Songwriters: Kesha Rose Sebert / Ben Abraham / Ryan Lewis / Andrew Joslyn
Praying lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc
