Da Som
In one of the first classes I taught when I came here, there was a girl sitting in the front row. I noticed her because she sat with her head down the whole class and didn't make a sound. When I approached her to speak she wouldn't, and many of the kids in the class said I shouldn't talk to her because she was dirty. If that was true it was because she had so much to do at home that she didn't have time to wash or because her family was very poor and didn't have much running water.
I felt sorry for this girl who I found out was called Da Som which means 'painful love'. I made a point of inviting her to eat with me in the cafeteria so that the other kids would see. I thought that maybe if they saw I valued her, they would change their ways and not treat her so badly. Later, I arranged with my co-teacher for this girl to come to my apartment after school on Saturdays and use my shower. When my co-teacher called, I would leave the apartment, leaving the door unlocked and they would come over. I really didn't think she would do it, but she welcomed the chance. I believe she thought the apartment belonged to my female co-teacher and so had no problem with the arrangement. It didn't matter, it wasn't enough. As far as I know she left Chilwon Elementary in February still an outcast among her classmates.
She went on to middle school where according to, Ross, a collegue of mine, she flourished. There were teachers at her new school who helped her and let her use a shower. She had friends, and I think had found some happiness. I had never seen it, but Ross told me she had even found her smile.
Last Friday, April 28 she was tragically struck and killed by a truck.
Da Som, I wish I had known you longer!
Small, frail and poor.
Too soon a life is ended.
No time for goodbye.
pae
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