One thing I have noticed since I have been sick, is how surprising people are. I have never been one to be fond of strangers. I am usually pretty to myself and will not talk to anyone I do not know. Not for any particular reason, I just never see a point in doing so. However, lately I have gone against that. I am approached on a weekly basis by all types of strangers. I'll be wearing one of my hats with a pink ribbon on it, and men and women will come up to me and just start talking. "It's a sisterhood" I've been told so many times. They tell me of their stories, stories of their friends, or stories of members of their family. I can listen to people for hours talk about their struggles. Complete strangers. It's so touching.
What is even more surprising than that is how supportive my students are. I teach middle school, and teenagers are usually so self absorbed that I didn't think they cared too much about anything other than themselves. I was wrong. Since my students have found out I was sick (the second week of school), so many of them have brought me gifts and cards. So thoughtful. I never would have thought or expected it. Not from kids that I have been hearing horror stories about for years. I have noticed that they are also very protective over me. They are always checking to make sure I am doing okay, they yell at their friends if they get too close to me or touch anything on my desk, they tell each other to make sure they are using hand sanitizer, and they make a point to stop by the nurse for the slightest little sniffle. I was afraid to let my students know anything was wrong because I thought they would treat me weird or take advantage, but they have been great.
It's the little things that make me happy. The little talks to strangers and friends, and the little cards, pictures, and gifts from my students. They make such a cruddy experience, not so bad. I start a new regimen this week. If I just think about everyone I have encountered, these next few months will hopefully go by quickly and it wont be as bad as I think.
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