Pencils in the Ceiling

One of the more interesting parts of my day was running a grief and loss group with teenage boys. Through all of their craziness and inappropriate comments (can you bring us pizza and strippers next group session?)...they remind me why I do what I do.

Today we discussed the stages of grief and how each one applied to them. We discussed how they are coping with the recent deaths of very young friends. We talked about why smoking weed might not be the best coping skill to deal with grief. This lead to a long discussion of why marijuana should be legal and taxed and the politics...on...and on...

Throughout group I had an older student throwing pencils in the ceiling the whole time. He freshly sharpened every pencil he could find and threw it  into the Styrofoam ceiling panel  I should have stopped him, I know, but it was entertaining and he was participating in the discussion, so I let it ride.

I can make you a laundry list of why I want to quit my job and be a full time blogger. The joys of working in pajamas some days, 10am yoga classes and morning coffee at Starbucks are quite appealing.

But then that student who throws pencils in the ceiling tells you that he is not planning on coming to school Friday. I told him we are going to have another group session this Friday and he is welcome to attend again. He changes his mind and tells me he will come to school if we are having group.

I get the "ohhh that's why I do this" moment.

Then I am asked to make sure I bring some "hot chicks" with me next time I run group.

Who knows what I will do with the rest of my life. But for now, I am very thankful for these small moments that show me I might be making a tiny difference in someone's life.