Theo Remembers Mrs. Hudson

At the time I grew up, our school didn’t have a cafeteria or programs to provide lunch for kids. We all packed our lunches at home and carried them to school. There were many mouths to feed in my house, and there was never quite enough food to go around. So, I scraped together what I could to make myself a lunch.

One day, my teacher, Mrs. Hudson, was walking around the lunch tables while we ate. She noticed that I just had a few crackers and an apple I picked off a tree on the way to school. I tried to tell her that I hadn’t been feeling well and just didn’t want to eat. The truth is, I was hungry. It was difficult to watch the other kids eating their lunches.

The next day at lunch, Mrs. Hudson handed me a ham and cheese sandwich wrapped in waxed paper. She said she had accidentally packed two sandwiches and wondered if I would eat the extra for her. She accidentally packed two sandwiches every day for the rest of the school year. I know my teacher wasn’t well off either, and I understood the sacrifice she made for me. I can’t even explain my gratitude for her kindness. When I was hopelessly hungry, she fed my body and my soul.

I hope Theo’s story helped you see how much your work matters.

Julie

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