Cards and Choccies

Callum is one of our school Chaplains and he shares with us: Cards and choccies come in thick and fast at the end of the year when you work in a primary school. The photo is a card I got recently that was particularly special.

This young boy (let’s call him Jared) had a fair few things going on in his world during 2022/2023: 

– Mum and step-dad separated

– Moved house fairly far away from the school

– Uncle went to jail

– Diagnosed with ADHD

– Friendship dramas

Jared is quite a sensitive 11 year old and all this got a bit much for him at times. A few times I got called to go and be with him while he had panic attacks and trouble breathing.

Jared told me that he found it especially useful to offload what he was feeling at the time when I did my weekly catch-ups with him. We talked a lot about how to focus on what he could do about the things going on around him and how to let go of the things he couldn’t control. We’d discuss how to not take the jokes his friends made personally and how to stand up for himself if he needed to. He had a space to vent about family dramas that were happening and the confusion of his Uncle being in the justice system.

A lot of these things are still an ongoing journey for Jared as none of them are quick-fix things. But it’s so special knowing that he feels unconditionally supported and has people in his world who can journey alongside him in his difficult times.

A really cool part of this story is that Jared missed a lot of days of school because of his anxiety; often on the day I’d normally see him. But, I was able to pivot when I worked with him and be flexible because I’m full-time at school; something only possible because of generous people like you! I’m so grateful for your prayers and support!