Dear Ethan and Christian,

I have a new vocabulary word for you:

Empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another

Today you two showed empathy when you noticed that I was stressed and frustrated at lunch. While nearly every other 6^th grade student continued being rowdy and silly when I asked them to enter the cafeteria silently, you two thought about what it must feel like to be me, and you invited me to eat lunch at your table.

Ethan, I’ll never forget your quip:

“Well, about all we can do is pray!”

Amen to that.

And Christian, thank you for offering me a French fry while taking my mind off the craziness of the cafeteria by yammering about the latest movies you’ve seen.

You two are the coolest. Thanks for reminding me of what kindness looks like.

All my love,

-Ms. Jackson