As noted before, I volunteer at the Cleveland Elementary Boys and Girls Club 3 to 4 times a week. Each day I show up right after school and begin to work with the first graders. When I first started volunteering I was not close with any of the kids. I helped whoever needed help the most on their homework, and at the same time tried to assist all of the kids as much as I could. Slowly, I became closer to a few of the children and (off the record) started to pick favorites. I knew these kids came from lower income homes, and I knew they did not have much… but I did not know that one of their stories would touch me more than anything else ever has.Darionna is the reason I LOVE the Boys and Girls Club. She never stops smiling, never says a nasty word, and never stops helping her peers. What is the most shocking is that Darionna’s story is more heart wrenching than any other child’s story at the Boys and Girls Club. She is now close enough to me where she tells me her problems (not to mention this is a girl who worries about everyone but herself). I cannot help but wonder how she keeps going. So many of the kids I work with are rude, have attitudes, and almost seem to hold a grudge towards life. It is strange to see one tiny (TINY!) little girl be so happy and loving when she holds the story that she does.
We can all learn from Darionna. I know I have. We live one life and no matter what adversities life brings us we need to keep going. I cannot tell you how many times I have cried for her, but I can tell you she brings light into my life and I can only wish to be as strong and brave as she is.
No comments:
Post a Comment