Our newest student stood shyly at the front of the class and introduced herself. ‘My name is Cherry Blossom,’ she said.
Ben Adams smirked and began to snigger. I knew the whole class would quickly follow so gave him ‘the look’, a stare I’d perfected over three decades of teaching, with the power of silencing even the naughtiest child.
‘Let’s all welcome Cherry,’ I said. Applause and greetings followed. I knew some of Cherry’s story. An orphaned refugee from Myanmar, I guessed she’d been given the name by someone with the misguided assumption that her birth name would cause her to stand out. Someone who also mistakenly believed that all Asian people looked alike. ‘Cherry Blossom’ was hardly likely to allow her to blend in, and Myanmar is a long way from Japan where the Cherry Blossom is the National flower.
Although the children included Cherry in all their playtime activities, I often noticed a sad faraway look in her eyes. Understandable considering all she must have been through. I hoped, with time, the pain of her past would abate.
Whenever a child had a birthday, parents supplied cupcakes and the class sang Happy Birthday. During one such celebration I noticed tears flowing down Cherry’s cheeks.
I immediately went to her and asked what was the matter. In halting English she told me she couldn’t remember ever having a birthday. Her parents died when she was three and no one knew her date of birth.
All the children fell silent.
‘I think tomorrow would be a good day for Cherry’s birthday,’ Ben blurted suddenly.
The other children nodded and I promised to bring cupcakes the following day.
I was unprepared for the sight that met me when I reached the classroom the next morning.
Ben and his friends had decorated the room with balloons and streamers, and every child had brought in birthday treats and presents.
Cherry cried again… happy tears!
And just when I thought the day couldn’t be more perfect, Ben produced a branch laden with flowers.
‘It’s Cherry Blossom,’ he grinned. ‘Beautiful, just like our Cherry.’
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleChildren can be very cruel at school, so it’s nice to read a story where the children do something so selfless. Lovely story, nicely written.
Thank you, Carrie. I volunteer at my grandson’s school and meet some of the loveliest children. Unfortunately, I think some children are influenced by thoughtless adult attitudes 🙁 I’ve never forgotten a kind act by a boy at my high school when I was being bullied by a mean girl. I think the thought might have inspired my story a little.
Such a heartwarming story Sandra. I felt quite emotional after reading it. Nicely done.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you, Linda. I’ve had a hectic month and only managed one story but wanted to write something heartwarming and uplifting (for myself as well as readers!) So glad you enjoyed it 🙂
So many of the stories this month were sad, Sandra, but this was the first one that actually brought tears to my eyes. There was something about the little girl that didn’t know her own birthday … This is beautifully written, with sensitivity and gracefulness. So glad you had time for one story, even during such a hectic month.
Thank you Fuji! Most of us take it for granted that our birthdays will be marked with presents, parties or at least some acknowledgement but some, after already enduring terrible times in their lives, don’t know these simple pleasures. I wanted a happy ending for her 🙂 And, I don’t want to tempt fate but I think the worst of my hectic few weeks is over and I can catch up with… Read more »
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleChildren should only cry happy tears. I loved the way you described a little girl’s nostalgia, Sandra – fantastic!
Thank you, Greene! Yes, although reality brings sadness at times, we do want children to cry the happy tears not the sad ones.
Heart-warming Sandra! In your story the children have expressed their emotions in a healthy, positive way.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you, Dipayan! I think children can teach us a lot 🙂
You’re quite right, Sandra. The character that we form as children stays with us into our adult life.
Hi Sandra, there will never be enough love in this world, and your story has added a little more to it Sandra. I just loved the the way in which you used the teacher to turn the story around. She was the pivotal point in the story to me, a look that changed. Well Sandra I wished I had had a teacher as wise a yours. Another classic story.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHi Eric, and thank you! Yes, a wise teacher can turn negatives into positives, and have a lasting impact on students. And, I agree, there will never be enough love in the world and we can all be part of spreading that through kind acts, deeds and comments! Thank you 🙂
It’s a wonderful story, Sandra, showing that there is reason for hope and optimism in this world. With a traumatizing childhood, Cherry Blossom needed all the support, friendship and acceptance available. Thanks to a wonderful teacher and some great kids, her life could start to turn around. Tears of sadness turned into tears of joy and gratitude. I wish your story could be read in school classes and inspire children to act… Read more »
Thank you, Christer! I agree that children would be inspired by positive examples, whether fiction or true stories, they just need to see the often very different situations and backgrounds of some of their peers. I know when I was in primary school I assumed everyone else lived just like me! Thanks for the feedback; it’s given me some ideas 🙂
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleOhhh Sandra, this the best birthday party ever.
Thank you, Santina! I feel like the children are real out there somewhere 🙂 And, nice to think there are so many Voice-Club friends celebrating along with them 🙂
We had the same tradition, to bring cake and sweets to celebrate birthdays. Being kind to each other costs nothing. Sweet story!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleYes, it’s the same at my grandson’s school, it’s lovely to see the children sharing the fun. I agree, being kind costs nothing and if the lesson is learnt at such a young age it will carry through their whole lives. Thank you!
Wow. This story touches my heart. Very heart-warming. Their selfless deed speaks louder than words. Well written.
Thank you, Lotchie! I am so glad it touched you. I think these children are an inspiring example to all of us 🙂
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleYes. I agree with you, Sandra. You’re most welcome.