As our Christmas concert was approaching I had several kids missing class for sickness or various other reasons. In stress and frustration I lectured the kids one day about attendance. After class I found out one of the boys had previously missed class because he had been at his young sister's funeral. It softened my heart to remember that I have no idea what these kids are going through. This has happened when I've found out about divorces or other family deaths as well. I came back to class with more compassion and a reminder that my goal is for the kids to have a fun confidence building experience. Their concert went well but most importantly the feelings of love and support for each other dominated any frustrations. On the way out of the concert this boys mom sincerely thanked me with tears in her eyes. I could tell it meant a lot to her to see her son having something so positive in his life even while their family was going through tragedy.