I Wish I Could Do More

Okay, I just got a Facebook message that kinda (okay, really, really) tugs at my heartstrings. Thing is, this message is intertwined with compliments of my work. Thus, I’m left wanting to share this kid’s story, but def don’t want to come off like I’m bragging or believing my own press. Dig? Anyway, here’s the story…

I spoke at a high school, yeesh, probably nearly two years ago. A ton of the students looked me up and we became Facebook friends. This is a HUGE compliment when people got something meaningful enough out of our time together to track me down and give feedback. This student’s message was full of typeos, run on sentences, improper grammar, etc. Granted, I write books, but I’m no grammar Nazi nor do I care how the message is communicated, provided it is, in fact communicated.

This student (don’t even know their gender) said I spoke at his/her school and just wanted me to know they’ve been fighting for life with my message. See, he/she comes from a broken home and had an abusive mother. Kid moved out. At 12 years old. The student is still staying in school and is doing the best they can…and, if I had any part in helping this student take some control of a dysfunctional situation, then that is an honor I don’t take lightly. The messager (is that a word?) apologized at the end of the note for any misspellings b/c he/she is also dyslexic.

If I could, I would hug him/her. I mean, I grew up in a Beaver Cleaver household with as normal of a family situation as you can ask for. I don’t know what it’s like to have it so bad that someone would move out when they’re still a tween. I don’t know what it’s like to be abused in any way. I don’t know what it’s like to come from (his/her words, not mine) a “broken home.”

I’m pleased this student is still feeling the effects of my time at the school. Just wish there was something else I could do. And giving a hug is really about all I know how to do. And, due to the fact this school is a mere 1000 miles away from here, I don’t see that as realistic.

Did I do good? I guess. It just leaves me wishing I could do more.