Journal May 2026 Release_Full Edition - Flipbook - Page 20
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Darnell wrote “174 lbs.” next to the barbells.
Darnell:
Yeah, you know – Strength.
Virginia:
Of course. I understand.
The other boys at the table asked what we were talking about – what about
strength? They wanted to know.
Darnell said, “It’s between us”. He went back to drawing.
Checking in to celebrate success
Although I married (Paul Gallant!) and moved to another state, I contacted
Darnell and his grandmother two months later and sent him a certificate honoring
his Strength Over Trouble:
Presented to Darnell
Official Certificate of Strength Over Trouble
in honor of your amazing skill in keeping Trouble out of the classroom and out of
your life.
It has become clear to me, to your teacher Ms. Davis, to the school nurse, Ms.
Henson, to the principal Dr. Leeds, to the other students, and to your
grandmother that you are a boy with determination to keep Trouble away.
Your eleven and a half-year-old strength, and your ideas and methods, will be an
inspiration to other students who want to take on the challenge of Keeping
Trouble in Its Place.
Congratulations, Darnell, on your extraordinary accomplishment!
“It’s Taken Care Of”: A Collaborative Effort by a Student and a Teacher to Keep Trouble out of the Classroom
Journal of Contemporary Narrative Therapy, May 2026 Release, p. 9-24.
www.journalnft.com
