I didn’t expect a simple comb to make me cry today.

While cleaning out a box, I found it, the comb of a student I served a few years ago. He never meant to leave it. One day, he stopped coming to school. I was so devestated when I learned he had been removed because of domestic violence and physical abuse at home.

When I met him, he was consistently in trouble and not wanting to stay in his classroom. One of the discoveries we made during a vulnerable conversation he disclosed that he was embarrassed about his hair being too dry and not knowing how to style it. As a white teacher, I knew his hair needed different care than mine, just like my curly-haired daughter’s hair needs different care than my straight-haired daughter’s. I asked for help, found the right product, labeled it with his name, and placed it with a mirror in my classroom.

The first morning he saw it, his face lit up. “Is this mine? That’s my name! It’s new Mrs. Ellison!” I just smiled at him and told him we better get to work because I was definitely a rookie with his hair type.  I realized pretty quickly. I needed to ask another teacher to help him style it so he could feel confident. Before long, it became his morning ritual after breakfast, a small moment of dignity before the day began.

When he left, the comb stayed in my cabinet. Every time I opened it, I thought of and prayed for him.

That comb has never just been plastic and teeth to me. It is a reminder that sometimes our students carry insecurities that weigh more than their backpacks. It only takes a few minutes, a few dollars, and a little intentional love to lift some of that weight.

As you begin this school year, look for the little ways to see your students, really see them, and meet them where they are. You never know how much a simple act of care might mean.

I taught the students with Big Behaviors that they are loved. 🥹😭.

To my student, if you see this someday. I kept looking for you. I asked that my name be written in your file. I never gave up on you. I pray you remember the words you read when you walked out of my class each day. I love you kiddo! Always & Forever!