My refrigerator at home displays a colorful portrait of a Christmas bell given to me by a sixth grader by the name of Charles. On the back of the portrait is written, "You are the best sub ever." I discovered the picture on my desk on the last day of substituting for that class. I had been there a week. A week in which Charles made the only friend he had ever known. As the …showed first 75 words of 434 total…

…showed last 75 words of 434 total…ever." Undeniably he found something in me that touched him in a way he had never felt. My disciplinary threats toward the children that taunted him meant more to Charles than words on a picture could ever express. The picture he left on my desk was simply an attempt to relay his gratitude. Silently a bond between Charles and I had taken place; one I hope will remain with Charles until his battles are over.