Lessons I Learned…

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Lessons I Learned…

by Ms. Eugene Martin

That day was a very special day for our 6th grade son. It was his first time to join an educational tour in their school and without any chaperon. We do not usually allow him to bring valuable things like cell phone or digicam, especially if he is not with a trusted grown-up. But that day, he was allowed to bring the digital camera and his cell phone (of course, with some reminders on how to take good care of them).

There was a regular exchange of text messages. But late in the afternoon, I felt worried when he was not texting back.

I felt relieved when he finally came home, greeted me with a hug and a kiss. But I felt something not so good about him. I asked him how was the tour. He looked at me and tried to utter words I can hardly hear.. "Mom, I lost my cell phone. Sorry." Words he uttered between sighs and attempts to withhold his tears.

I hold and gently told him, "Oh, so that was the reason why you were not texting back. I was worried. Baby, I will not say it's ok, because we trusted you to take good care of it. But I am happy that you are here with me, you're safe. You are more important..."

He gently whispered, "Thank you, mommy. I knew it. You will understand. I know that you will be disappointed but I know I need to be open and honest and I am willing to accept the consequences."

"Losing your cell is already a consequence. What I want to know now is how you lost it. Can you still recall what happened?"

"We were playing in the arcade. The digicam and the cell phone were in my pocket. When we were already outside, I noticed that it was already gone."

"Oh, how did you feel?"

"I felt afraid, sorry. But I feel I need to tell you and dad everything that has happened. I know that you will understand."

"I just hope that you have learned a lesson. What would you do next time?"

"I should have brought a body bag. I should have reported the lost / incident to the customer service. I should be more responsible next time."

I just smiled and hug him more tightly.

I got my cell phone and composed a text message to be sent to my son's cell phone, hoping that the one who saw it could read and make a positive response. The message went this way:

"To whom it may concern: my son accidentally lost this cell phone while having their educational tour... He is from Marikina Elementary School.... It would be greatly appreciated if this will be returned. The cell phone means a lot to him... This is his mom. May God bless you po."

After 10 seconds, I received a text message coming from my son's cell phone: "San po kayo sa Marikina?” (Where are you in Marikina?)

I gave the directions and the finder was actually residing near our place. Her kid (with yaya) was also having a tour and found the cell phone.

My son, together with his sister went to the place and they got the cell phone back. We were very grateful. Indeed, there are still honest people in the world!

My son, while showing the retrieved cell phone to me, was trying to hold back his tears. He embraced me and whispered, "Thank you, mommy, I love you. I'll be more careful next time."

I was so touched by the behavior shown by my son. How brave he was to open up and tell the truth. How ready he was to accept the consequences of what happened. When he uttered the words "thank you", I can sense the depth of his appreciation for showing him understanding.

What I learned:

1. Indeed, parents' understanding, patience and lots of love will forever be in your children's hearts.

2. Openness and honesty begets openness and honesty.

3. Positive words produce positive results (the text message sent to the finder)

4. There are still honest people in the world.

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What valuable lesson did your child teach you recently? Share your story in the comments—we'd love to hear it.

August 2010