St. John's second graders are lucky to have Lynn O'Reilly as their aid. Yes, she helps them unpack in the mornings, ensures they have their homework assignments written down, and coaches them on those problematic spelling words. But more importantly, she brings a deep compassion to the classroom, which benefits all of the children.

Lynn, who grew up in Bethesda with her two older sisters, was volunteering at St. Joseph's House when she heard about the opening for a second grade aid. Her sister is a parishioner at St. John's, and Lynn had come to the parish many times for adoration.

At St. Joseph's House, which takes care of children with disabilities, Lynn spent some afternoons with the kids. "I'd hang out with them, play games, and enjoy their company," she said.

Her empathy for children and their various needs comes naturally. "I was diagnosed with diabetes at age 5, and I had to miss a lot of school. Readjusting to life with diabetes was challenging. The Lord used this to create a sensitive heart in me," she said. "I went through quite a bit of trial, but I allowed the suffering to expanded my heart and make me empathetic and compassionate for every human being's struggle."

Lynn added that she always keeps in mind something she read from the life of a saint, which she paraphrased as: Never presume, except for one thing… With everyone you come in contact with, presume that they are going through ten times more suffering than you. Then, see how you would treat them. Many crosses are hidden.

Compassion in the Classroom.
Lynn brings that compassion to the classroom. She says her favorite part of her job is noticing when the kids need a little "TLC." "I try and be attentive to the children's emotions throughout the day. If they need a little extra encouragement, I try to be there for them," she said. "I enjoy it when there are breaks in the day, and I can get to know them a little better. When they want to share something they are excited about, and I get to listen to them… this makes me happy."

Lynn is open about her diabetes with the students. The children have seen Lynn check her blood sugar and use her insulin pump. "I am open to answering any questions they have. It's a good thing to share the experience of dealing with a disease, illness or special need, and educate others so they won't feel odd around you and you won't feel odd around them."

She added that her diabetes also brought her closer to God. "As an adult, I realized the beauty of how God made us, the unity of our soul and our body, as it forms the whole human person."

In her spare time, Lynn enjoys walking, hiking, biking, and "being outdoors." She also plans on taking piano lessons this year. Her father died in 1997, and her mother still lives in Bethesda. One sister lives in Silver Spring and the other in Singapore. We welcome her warmly to our community.