History of Jeremy

148 story of JeremyJeremy was born with a disfigured body, a slow mind, and a chronic, incurable disease that had slowly killed his entire young life. Nevertheless, his parents had tried to give him a normal life as far as possible and therefore sent him to a private school.

At the age of 12, Jeremy was only in second grade. His teacher, Doris Miller, was often desperate with him. He shifted in his chair, drooling and making grunting noises. Sometimes he spoke again clearly, as if a bright light had penetrated the darkness of his brain. Most of the time, however, Jeremy stirred up his teacher. One day, she called his parents and asked them to go to school for counseling.

When the Forresters were sitting quietly in the empty class, Doris said to them: “Jeremy really belongs in a special school. It is not fair for him to be with other children who have no learning problems. "

Ms. Forrester was crying softly as her husband said, “Ms. Miller,” he said, “it would be a terrible shock to Jeremy if we had to take him out of school. We know that he really enjoys being here. "

Doris sat there long after the parents had left, she stared through the window at the snow. It wasn't fair to keep Jeremy in her class. She had to teach 18 children and Jeremy was a disorder. Suddenly they felt guilty. “Oh God,” she exclaimed aloud, “here I am whining, although my problems are nothing compared to this poor family! Please help me be more patient with Jeremy! "

Spring came and the children excitedly talked about the upcoming Easter. Doris told the story of Jesus and then, to emphasize the idea of ​​new life sprouting forth, she gave each child a large plastic egg. “Now,” she told them, “I want you to take this home and bring it back tomorrow with something inside that shows new life. Did you understand?"

"Yes, Mrs. Miller!" replied the children enthusiastically - all except Jeremy. He just listened intently, his eyes always on her face. She wondered if he understood the task. Maybe she could call his parents and explain the project to them.

The next morning, 19 children came to school, laughing and telling as they laid their eggs in the big wicker basket on the table of Mrs. Miller. After they had their math lesson, it was time to open the eggs.

In the first egg, Doris found a flower. "Oh yes, a flower is certainly a sign of new life," she said. "When plants sprout from the ground, we know spring is here." A little girl in the front row held up her hands. "That's my egg, Mrs. Miller," she exclaimed.

The next egg contained a plastic butterfly that looked very real. Doris held it up: “We all know that a caterpillar transforms and grows into a beautiful butterfly. Yes, that too is new life”. Little Judy smiled proudly and said, "Ms. Miller, this is my egg."

Next, Doris found a rock with moss on it. She explained that the moss also represented life. Billy answered from the back row. "My father helped me," he beamed. Then Doris opened the fourth egg. It was empty! It must be Jeremy's, she thought. He must not have understood the instructions. If only she hadn't forgotten to call his parents. Not wanting to embarrass him, she silently put the egg aside and reached for another.

Suddenly Jeremy spoke up. "Mrs. Miller, don't you want to talk about my egg?"

Very excited, Doris answered: "But Jeremy - your egg is empty!" He looked into her eyes and said softly: "But the tomb of Jesus was also empty!"

Time stood still. When she regained her composure, Doris asked him, "Do you know why the tomb was empty?"

"O yes! Jesus was killed and put in there. Then his father raised him up!” The break bell rang. While the children ran out into the schoolyard, Doris cried. Jeremy died three months later. Those who paid their last respects at the cemetery were surprised to see 19 eggs on his coffin, all of them empty.

The good news is so simple - Jesus is risen! May his love fill you with joy during this time of spiritual celebration.

by Joseph Tkach


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