I gave a bunk bed set and matching chest away today on Freecycle.com in my area of Western Arkansas. Twenty-eight people responded to my post. The first choice decided against taking it. The next person turned out to be a former student of mine and he had no problem driving thirty miles to pick it up.

He just posted this thank you on Freecycle in response to the freebie: "Mr. J. has been the one teacher in my life that I have always looked up too. It has been almost 20 yrs since he was my schoolteacher. I was a mean kid, and he still took time to work with a kid like this. He is a true friend to me. I went to the hospital when his twins were born, and they are giants now (6 foot plus)!!!!!!! Thanks for the bunk beds. They are going to get a workout from my little two-year-old monkey want-to-be. Thank you again. Steve"

I thought that was very kind. It also is why I am not leaving my classroom to take the GT position. I think I can reach more kids - the kids who need my help - in the regular classroom.

Thanks to all who encouraged me when I was trying to make up my mind whether or not to take the job.