The Silent Boy

The situation seemed hopeless.

From the first day he entered my junior-high classroom, Jack lived in his own world, shutting out his classmates and me, his teacher.

I tried to build a friendly relationship with him but he showed no interest.

Even a good morning received only a grunt that coudn't be heard.

Jack was a loner who seemed to have no desire or need to break silence.

Shortly after the thanksgiving holiday, we received the news of the annual Christmas collection of money for the less fortunate people in our school district.

Christmas is a season of giving, I told my students. There are a few students in the school who might not have a happy holiday season. By donating our Christmas collection. you will help buy food, clothing and toys for these needy people, We start the collection tomorrow.

When I called for the donations the next day,I discovered that almost everyone had forgotten, except Jack.

The boy dug deep into his pants pockets as he walked up to my desk. Carefully, he dropped two coins into the small box.

I do not need milk for luch, he said quietly. For a moment, just a moment, he smiled. then he turned and walked back to his desk.

That night, after schook ,I took our donations to the school principal. I couldn't help sharing the incident that had taken place.

I may be wrong, but I believe Jack might be getting ready to become a part of the world around him, I told the principal.

Yes, I believe it is helpful for him to get out of his world. he nodded. And I think we can do something to have him share a bit of his world with us. I just received a list of the poor families in our school who most need help through the Christmas collection. Here, take a look at it.

As I read, I discovered Jack and his family were the top names on the list.