This morning while talking to AL, I became quite worried about her. She'd posted something on FB on Friday that had me wondering what was going on, and then speaking with her this morning I got a clearer picture of what it was. So ... I told her I had to go into G again this afternoon to drop off some paperwork I'd forgotten to complete, and was she interested in maybe going bowling and get something to eat? She told me she'd think about it...
So after school was out today I asked her if she wanted to go with me .. and she agreed! 
We dropped off my paperwork (for summer school) and then made it over to the bowling place in time to bowl one game before they closed. (I got a 74, she got a 56. Pro Bowlers we are not. ) Then we ate at a local eatery that has great veggie burgers.
We had a *long* talk. To put it simply, I am *still* very worried about her. What she is going through I have no real experience in. I felt all I could do was be there to listen. Those of you who praying folk, I would greatly appreciate it if you could keep AL in your prayers. Specifically she needs to know that she is worth the fight, and that not everyone is going to break her trust.
I spent around $9 at the bowling alley for her and I, and she treated me for supper. I'm really glad that I made the offer, and that she accepted it, even though it made me blow through the remainder of my entertainment budget for the month. However, I have a feeling that I'll be doing some more of that this month ... goodbye dinners for teachers leaving, etc. This is a time to say I think that people are worth more than financial goals.
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I've gotta share! Today I read "Press Here" to my K, 3rd and 4th grade classes. K and 4th both seemed to LOVE it. 3rd was a bit meh on it. I can hardly wait to see the reactions of my 1st and 2nd graders tomorrow. It truly is a FUN book. 
Unexpected Afternoon
May 8th, 2012 at 05:09 am
May 8th, 2012 at 05:27 am 1336451274
May 8th, 2012 at 05:34 am 1336451664
It must be different reading Press Here to a group! Do you pass the book to one child per page?
May 8th, 2012 at 05:58 am 1336453103
Joan,
The groups are fairly small - 8-10 kids. I had them take turns for the first part, then where 5 dots are pressed I chose 5 to come up, then they ALL came up .. Each time I'd tell them to hurry back to their seats so they could see what happened. The Kinders were especially a blast to read it - every page they were totally awestruck. They begged me to read it again next week.
May 8th, 2012 at 12:37 pm 1336477075
Great job reaching out to a friend in need. I had that happen to me recently with a neighbor, who just needed someone to talk to.
May 8th, 2012 at 01:42 pm 1336480944
AL will be on my prayer intentions today. Keep an eye on her, sometimes it is the little things (like your kindness) that can make the world of difference in a world of indifference.
May 8th, 2012 at 11:57 pm 1336517848
Thank you CCF and Laura.