The C H A R L E Y necklace

This little gold necklace is one that a student gave me when I was about 8 months pregnant. My students knew I was going to name my baby boy Charlie, I mentioned him often (it's difficult not to mention when you're teaching 3rd grade and a little wiggly human lovingly squishes around inside you all the while). This student saw the necklace at a boutique she shopped at with her mom, and she bought it for me with her own money. I was so touched, unlatched the clasp on the little gold chain and fastened it around my neck immediately.

I still wear that necklace often. The spelling reads "Charley" but the difference in graphemes doesn't matter. This necklace reminds me #1 of my precious baby boy, #2 of my darling student who gifted it, and #3 that I want to be as thoughtful, generous, and unreservedly kind as my student was as I interact with other people. The necklace serves as a frequent and welcome reminder of all three.

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