Mentee Moves

The last few weeks with my mentee, Harley, have been enjoyable ones, yet, at the same time, they have been a bit stressful, as well. I very much enjoy my time being a mentor to Harley, and learn a lot, not only about Harley, but about myself, and how best to serve others.

The past few weeks, Harley and I have been meeting at lunch, as we normally do, and added a new twist to the week’s events. Games! Harley loves games! And, I do, as well.

So, I introduced Harley to the neat game of Guess Who?, a game where you had to guess the identity of your opponent. This is a game that teaches one to ask questions in order to discover the answer.

Well, Harley really enjoyed it. Another week, we played checkers. Sadly, I am NOT a checkers master, and Harley beat me pretty soundly. The smile that spread across his face was well a wonderful sight to behold, and would certainly chase away any sickness one might have.

We also worked on our gentlemanly manners. I encouraged Harley to greet each media center staff member with a friendly hello (where we have lunch) and to thank them for allowing us to use the center upon leaving.

Harley and I have also worked on thanking the lunch ladies for cleaning our lunch trays. I must say, Harley is a quick learner, and seemed to enjoy using polite manners.

You know, there are those children in our community who don’t understand the importance of good manners. I often told my students, when I was teaching, that the simple word “please” could open up many doors to them, doors of possibilities, and that “thank you” could turn someone’s frown upside down. Mentors can help children learn with this. And these three simple words can make a difference in someone’s life.

Sadly, I no longer have the opportunity to be a mentor to Harley, as he has moved from the state abruptly. I had expected for a while that Harley’s life might change, as his mother was placed in jail, but I was not prepared for the suddenness of it. As I was at work, I received a call just one week ago, today, from Harley while at school, and we talked a little about his situation.

Then, when I returned home that evening, I had a message from his teacher that his father had driven from another state to pick him, and his siblings, up as they moved away.

I was…shocked, and saddened. Sad for me, as I wasn’t able to tell Harley goodbye. Not able to give him one last hug, handshake, or pat on the back. I wasn’t able to tell Harley thanks for allowing me to be his mentor. And, I do not have an address for him at this time, either.

So, my prayers are with Harley.

I now await another mentor. I do miss Harley, yet I cherish the time I had with him, and am grateful for the opportunity to help him. Sadly, there are many more children in our town who need help. I am eager to begin anew with another, and I encourage you to become a mentor, as well. Our children sure do need your help.