Tuesday Testimonial: For the Ones Who See
This morning I had the privilege of delivering P3 Pineapple Packages to the beautiful staff at Bonita Springs Middle School — teachers, aides, school nutrition teams, security staff, nurses, and specialists who pour into children every single day.
As I stood there, bags in hand, heart wide open, I felt emotional.
This week marks my brother Paul’s birthday and the anniversary of his passing.
And I was reminded of something tender and true:
No matter how much kindness we spread in the world,
it never erases the pain of our past.
But it does give that pain purpose.
Paul was a little boy who didn’t always feel seen.
He struggled in school.
He felt labeled.
He believed he was the “bad kid,” the “troublemaker,” the one who didn’t quite measure up.
But here’s what I know now:
There are no bad kids.
There are children carrying hurts we cannot see.
There are young hearts needing patience, safety, encouragement, and someone who believes in them.
So today, my Tuesday Testimonial is bigger than one school.
It’s for every teacher who looks a child in the eyes and says,
“I’m glad you’re here.”
For every aide who kneels beside a desk to offer quiet help.
For every school nutrition worker who serves meals with dignity and care.
For every nurse who tends to worried hearts and scraped knees.
For every security staff member who stands watch so children can learn safely.
For every adult who chooses curiosity over judgment…
compassion over labels…
connection over criticism.
Because when a child feels seen and valued,
their whole world can change.
Today I honor the Pineapple People in our schools —
the ones who stand tall, see people, crown others with worth, and lead with sweetness and strength.
You are shaping lives more than you know.
You are healing hearts you may never hear about.
And somewhere, a child who feels unseen
is quietly being reminded:
“You matter.”
🍍
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