Laying down the mystery and forgiving....

I addressed all my classes this morning with the said before problem. I simply told them how violated I felt and how much I trusted and cared about all of them and it was my hope whoever did this would please return the money-no questions asked. This didn't happen. But justice was done. The student that I was sure was in question was called into the office. I had talked to the principal that morning about my suspicions but wanted to give the student the benefit of the doubt. I was later called to the office where I was met with a crying young man, a very disappointed, apologetic and humiliated father, and $65.00 of my money back with a promise of the other $15.00 in the next two days. I sat down and told the student how he made me feel. I also told the father how impressed I had been with his son as far as behavior and academics. I know the boy is in a lot of trouble. And I have thought about him all day. He has a history and I am worried about him. As I was laying in bed last night... I was restless and was going back and forth between anger, disappointment, and the need to forgive. I immediately felt like I knew who did it, what needed to be done, and although I was relieved when the money was returned-I am saddened that it happened at all.
Unfortunately there are no secrets in the MS. I have told all my students that I didn't want to hear another word about the money....when the boy came back from suspension, we will move on as always and choose to forgive. I have a poster in my classroom, "You Can Always Be a Better Person Today Than You Were Yesterday", this is true for me as well! ;)