a queen
Reina is the littlest girl in my whole class, yet when she comes to give me a hug every morning, it seems as though her arms are bigger than anyone else in the class. She is always smiling, well it is actually more like a sheepish grin, but nonetheless, it makes your heart melt.
Yesterday Reina seemed to be having an off day. She complained of a headache early in the morning and by lunchtime I knew something was really wrong. She sat down by me on the steps during lunch recess looking very glum. I asked how she was feeling and she said not good, but could not specify a specific pain. I then ventured to ask what I had been slightly suspecting, was she sad? She gave a small head nod. Was is something/someone at school? No. Now she was sitting on my lap. Was it something at home? An even smaller head nod. What was wrong? She hesitated. Nothing.
We got up to walk away from the students that came to check on their dear Reinita (as she is affectionately called) and she shyly said “Miss. Anna, I miss my ‘papi’”. A tear started to run down her cheek. I knew he had gone mojada (left illegally for the states) about a month earlier, but Reina had not mentioned it since. I looked at this sad 6 year-old and wanted to tell her that she would see her dad again, but for all I knew, she wouldn’t. I wanted to tell her that everything would be ok, but it was hard to find the words. I held back my tears and gave her the hugs and reassurance that I could.
In Honduras, many families often deal with this issue. Parents and even children leave to find answers and money in the states, leaving their families alone (and often very sad) in Honduras. Reina's story is not unique for Cofradia, and even students at our school. However, no matter the normality of the situation, it will never make the sad reality any easier to take.
After a little while, Reina and I both found the strength to get ready for class. In English, the word Reina means queen. As we walked down the hallway towards my crazy group of first graders, she certainly had the maturity and stature of a queen.
Yesterday Reina seemed to be having an off day. She complained of a headache early in the morning and by lunchtime I knew something was really wrong. She sat down by me on the steps during lunch recess looking very glum. I asked how she was feeling and she said not good, but could not specify a specific pain. I then ventured to ask what I had been slightly suspecting, was she sad? She gave a small head nod. Was is something/someone at school? No. Now she was sitting on my lap. Was it something at home? An even smaller head nod. What was wrong? She hesitated. Nothing.
We got up to walk away from the students that came to check on their dear Reinita (as she is affectionately called) and she shyly said “Miss. Anna, I miss my ‘papi’”. A tear started to run down her cheek. I knew he had gone mojada (left illegally for the states) about a month earlier, but Reina had not mentioned it since. I looked at this sad 6 year-old and wanted to tell her that she would see her dad again, but for all I knew, she wouldn’t. I wanted to tell her that everything would be ok, but it was hard to find the words. I held back my tears and gave her the hugs and reassurance that I could.
In Honduras, many families often deal with this issue. Parents and even children leave to find answers and money in the states, leaving their families alone (and often very sad) in Honduras. Reina's story is not unique for Cofradia, and even students at our school. However, no matter the normality of the situation, it will never make the sad reality any easier to take.
After a little while, Reina and I both found the strength to get ready for class. In English, the word Reina means queen. As we walked down the hallway towards my crazy group of first graders, she certainly had the maturity and stature of a queen.
posted by Anna | 4:57 PM
3 Comments:
Anna,
I see Reina's pain in the face of the father's of Guatamalen children here in the US.
They work very hard to save money for their families and "live" for the weekly call to their children. It is painful what they must do to better their family's circumstances. They are frusturated by their lack of education.
This cycle can and will change as education allows for better economic opportunities in Honduras.
Your consolation of Reina today will help heal her immediate pain, but your good works everyday will allow her opportunities her father did not have.
Give a hug to Reina & a remember she is also hugging my "queen".
Love, Dad
Anna this story touched me so much. You are so great and those chilren are as lucky to have you as you are to have them. It is so nice that people are able to learn from each other no matter the age difference, language barrier, ect.
Keep up all the wonderful work you are doing. I miss you!
Love, Liz
Anna,
You are one of the most amazing people I have ever known and will ever know. The amount that you give of your self is amazing. I hope you know that you turn people in to Kings and Queens when they are around you! I miss you!
love always!
Cass
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