Early in my career, I was teaching social studies and coaching football in a small rural high school in Ohio. We prepared the popcorn and set the television up in the school library. What I hadn’t prepared for was Chad. He asked if he could sit and watch the game with me because his dad wasn’t there. That was the beginning of a relationship that has spanned twenty years.

Chad was an excellent student and athlete, but he suffered from the emotional wounds of having an absent father. He was very fortunate to have a good mother who loved him, but she worked hard at two jobs to support her children which made it difficult for her to be present for everything.

Chad shared with me that he struggled with feelings of anger and jealousy when he saw the other dads in the stands. When other kids told Chad they wished they had his skills and abilities, he told them he’d trade places with them because their dad was there to cheer them on.

Over the next couple of years, Chad and I continued to build our relationship. He became comfortable asking me questions because he knew he could depend on me for honest answers and feedback. Chad went to college, and I kept in touch with him as he continued to do well both in and out of the classroom. I always let him know how proud I was of him.

After his junior year, Chad’s mother was having a difficult time making ends meet. He made the difficult decision to leave school to help her out.

A few years later, he got married, and my wife and I developed a nice relationship with him and his wife Brooke.

One summer day, I received a phone call from Brooke. She said she would appreciate it if I spoke to Chad about going back to college to finish his degree. She felt he would listen to me.

The next time we got together, I pulled Chad aside and encouraged him to finish what he had started - for himself, his family and his future. I stressed the importance of a college degree to be successful in today’s world, but more importantly, I told Chad that he had gifts that he needed to utilize for himself and others.

A year and a half later, I watched Chad graduate from college. As he received his diploma, I was filled with great pride and admiration for the young man who had come so far through life’s obstacles.

Today, Chad is a teacher in a correctional facility helping students overcome their wounds through education. He is also an assistant high school football coach. His players are some of the best in the state, and during the past few years, the team has won two conference championships.

Chad taught me that sometimes our area of greatest weakness can become our area of greatest strength. If Chad didn’t have the obstacles he had, he may have never become a teacher in the position to help so many others. He also taught me to always be mindful of the emotional state of my students.

As Chad’s teacher and coach, had I ignored where he was coming from emotionally, I may never have developed the relationship with him that helped him get through high school and college.