SAFER SCHOOLS NEWS-VOL. 11: pg 2

Volume 11 – Page 2 of 2 : Cont.

… The Unit Manager told us to use Counseling Room 1, just down the hall. I motioned for Jeff to lead the way. After years of working with kids and loving them with all my heart, I never lead the way. An exposed back is an invitation for attack. He paused for permission to open the door, one of the rules. He entered the private room but did not sit. There were only two chairs and the four walls. He stood with his back to me as I entered and closed the door behind me.

When he heard the door close, Jeff turned toward me and in a rush wrapped his arms around me. He laid his head on my shoulder and cried so violently that we both shook. I put my arms around him and held him as best I could–he was so big. He cried for almost 15 minutes. My coat was completely wet on the right side and sleeve.

When he was through crying, he said, “I want to go home so bad!”

“I know, Jeff.” I handed him a paper towel to clean his face and told him we could sit there until the others would not notice

Fifteen minutes later, without having said another word, he got up and opened the door. There was another kid at the water fountain. Jeff growled at him and pushed him out of the way. “Look out. Here comes Frankenstein!” the kid called to the others as Jeff pushed his way back across the overcrowded room.

I removed my dampened coat and folded it over my arm to walk out. I never told anyone. Jeff knew that I wouldn’t. Frankenstein had peeled back his mask and let me see the little lost boy inside. I have not seen him in many years. I wonder if he ever thinks of this. 

Since that day, I look at every tough kid just a little differently. 

What I see is only the Frankenstein mask; is there a little lost boy inside………

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