{dear husband}

Thank you.

You've been absolutely amazing the past few weeks.

A very challenging student was moved into my classroom from the other Kindergarten classroom because it was thought that I would be better able to handle him than his original teacher.

That proved to be wrong in the beginning.

But you've been there every step of the way.

You've hugged me when I've come home crying because of how much he scares my other students, who I consider my babies.

You've listened to the countless stories of him hitting me, throwing chairs at me, using classroom supplies as weapons, throwing things at the other kids, etc.

You've tried to help me come up with different things to try with him.

You've tried to help me figure this kid out.

You've brought me flowers on more than one occasion, when you've known it was a rough day.

You calmed me down when I said those awful words that I still cannot believe came out of my mouth: "I hate him...I hate him."

You helped me to realize that there is a reason this little boy does these things, and I just need to figure out why, and help him overcome.

You've texted me throughout my day to check in on how he's doing, and shared my disappointment when he's been sent home for yet again becoming violent.

And most importantly to me: the other night at our Bible study, when giving prayer requests at the end, you asked our friends to pray for me. That God would give me patience and understanding in this situation I've been put in, and that He would bring me through this.

You have no idea how much that meant to me.

I realize that my problems with this boy have dominated much of our conversations these past few weeks.

I realize that my mood has been affected.

I realize that I'm so exhausted after dealing with him all day that I don't want to do anything else besides lay on the couch and mope...or complain about how I cannot figure this kid out. 

But I want you to know that I appreciate your help, concern, interest, and prayers.

You've helped me to realize that perhaps this little boy has been given to me for a reason.

My view of him has changed this past week.

I don't hate him anymore.

On the contrary, I now love him.

I've begun to actually consider him my student.

I'm invested in him.

I NEED him to be successful.

And I'm learning that I'll do whatever it takes to help him.

And I owe that attitude change to you.

Thank you.

And I love you.

xoxo, wife.