I volunteer in the school library, reading to classes and checking books out. A new boy came a little ways into the school year, with a smile a mile wide. I commented that his first name was the same as a college I went to.
“Really?!? I’m famous!?!”
Every now and then he comments that he didn’t used to like his name, but now he does, because he is “famous”.
He is always friendly and smiling, and was so proud of his nine-patch square. A ways into the year I learned some of his story, break your heart stuff.
A few weeks ago, I found my old college sweatshirt and gave it to him. I got one of those smiles. He wore it and said to those who noticed, “Did you know I’m famous?”
More chapters in his story have happened. He won’t be coming back to the school. No goodbyes, just gone. I'll miss, worry, and hope for him. I hope he keeps believing he’s famous. I hope he keeps that smile. I hope he finds his way through.
