Chewey and Melty

I feel lucky to occasionally see the fruits of God's labor.

 I'm definitely not saying my labor because I don't do any labor. Here's a story I hope you enjoy.

First, a little back-story.... 

I work in a SDC class for emotionally disturbed students. Beginning this school year, the other aide and I are required to be out with the kids during recess, lunch, P.E., etc. This has created a great environment for my students, their friends, and well, the other SDC class.... it is fun getting to know all of them while trying to keep them out of trouble. 

Okay, back to the present....

A few weeks ago, I was standing out on the basketball courts. I had made a new friend by sharing I own a Wii. Apparently boys dig that. My new friend, newly nicknamed Chubaca, followed me around telling me his tales of Star Wars the lego edition on his PS2. Now, I love kids, but I do not love star wars... I've never even seen them (sorry Michael)! 

Mentally, I say a quick prayer. "Jesus, this kid seems to need a lot of attention. I love giving it to him, but is that what he really needs? If you want me to pay attention to him, so be it (and I could use a little help). If not, you know what to do."

About three and a half seconds pass when I hear the handball players getting rowdy. I turn to see the boys yelling at another player. As I'm trying to figure out what is going on, I notice who they are yelling at, newly nicknamed Melty, beginning to heave as his face turns a dark shade of red. His body starts trembling and his fists clench. Melty is melting down. 

Now usually this type of situation happens a lot in my classroom... hence the term "emotionally disturbed". However, I have never ever witnessed a gen ed student melting down. 

Poor Melty is incoherently screaming at the other handball tyrants. I put my hand on his back and say, "shhh... it's okay, come over here... it's okay.... come on". Phew! I get him over to some shade and he sits down, tears running down his face. "They-- al-always--try-to--g--g--get--me--out!" I find myself praying again as my heart starts to ache for him. So I just rub his head and keep saying it is okay. 

Now, don't assume Chubaca has stopped talking. Oh no, he is in full swing... still.

Then God went DING! (Imagine him switching on a light bulb in my head).

So I turn to Melty....

"Hey, do you have any games? Like Play Station or Xbox?"

Melty replies....

"Y-y-yes...I have a Play Station"

Me... "REALLY?"

"Well, what is your name?"

"M-m-melty"

"And what is your name?"

"Chubaca"

"I bet Melty would love to hear all about your cool Star Wars game! He has a Play Station, just like you! Tell him about your cool pod racer game!"

Next thing I know, Chewey goes to sit by Melty, telling him about his S.W. tales. Melty is not yet sure if he is okay with this sudden change of subject.

The bell rings, and as I turn to make sure none of my students are whipping people with their jump ropes as they run to put them away, I see two little boys walking away with their heads close together, chatting away. 

To this day, at every single recess and lunch, I have not seen them apart.

What a cool friendship you created God! 

True story. Real names were altered for privacy.