I just read a very sad article that a parent of a student of mine just sent me.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lazhanae11-2009oct11,0,3560768.story

This challenges me. It makes me wonder what I could have done for Lazha when she was sitting in my classroom in January 2008. It makes me wonder what I could have said when Lazha left our school for another foster home and told me, "I'll miss you, Mr. Crabtree. But I hope I'll see you soon." It shows me the breadth and depth of how many of my students live on a daily basis.

What do you do when you're born into a world in which no one wants you? 286 children whom no one wanted in LA have either committed suicide or had his or her life taken by another since January 2008. This isn't how it's supposed to be. But it is how it is.

I'm here to change people's thoughts and hearts for the better, but I am limited in my influence to do so. Ultimately, the field of education has less power to solve these kinds of problems than many attribute it. These kinds of problems are ultimately spiritual problems and must be so addressed. They deal with how one views others, where one places them in one's list of priorities, and how one interacts with them. If a parent does not view his or her child as one of the top priorities in life, or isn't aware of the eternal nature of his or her child's soul or that the child wants positive and uplifting interactions from a tough leader, the child will suffer. And react.

More to come on this topic. For now, pray for my students who were close to Lazha. They need it after being reminded of her death once again.