Today as Allyssa was walking towards me in the school hallway ( I was there signing her out early for dr appt. to determine if a medicine increase is in order) I could tell she was upset, face was set in that way I've come to know that she is going to lash out but at the same time her head was hung and shoulders slumped which I've come to know means someone's really hurt her feelings! As I continued watching her come towards me I was wondering what had happened this time and my heart was growing heavier with each of her steps closer dreading what was to come! But then I witnessed her raise her head and pull her shoulders back and stand tall and even smile as a teacher walked past her in the hallway! Never showing that she was discouraged or hurt or angry! Until the teacher had passed and then she faded again and by this time was standing in front of me... Her first words to me were "those kids are being such jerks!" You see there was a substitute teacher today and we all know that kids will be kids and get away with what they can.. And they did.. They got away with humiliating a young lady who has already forgiven them and will be kind to them tomorrow and will put that smile back on that lovely face of hers and appear confidant and unbothered! I am in awe of how she does this.. Day after day time after time.. What courage!! But Allyssa will tell me No mom, what choice do I have... This is how it's always been for me.. It's all I know! Well she can think that way if she wants but I know Courage when I see it! And my daughter and many other kiddos have more courage in their young bodies than I can ever imagine having! God bless these kids!
So what these kids did was make a lot of noises and when told to stop they would say I can't I have Tourette's .. And giggle.. And continue with the noises! They know Allyssa has Tourette's and they have heard her vocal tics.. But they still found this funny! I know kids can be cruel and I also know that Allyssa's not the only kid getting made fun of... What was 20 minutes of "fun" to those kids will take a lifetime for Allyssa to get over! So please I'm asking teachers and other adults ...more than stopping the bullying ,please ...just because a child has a smile on their face for those few seconds you passed them.. Please look deeper and get to know these kids, there's a whole lot of hurt going on in there!
Don't get me wrong... Even though Allyssa was humiliated, hurt and discouraged ....she does overcome and she has an inner strength like no other.. But it takes a lot of effort on her part just making it through One day at a Time!
