Saturday, August 25, 2012

Did you see her?




Did you see her?

Yeah, the special needs teacher who previously composed this blog on a regular basis. Most likely, her followers think she’s vanished off the face of the Earth which wouldn’t be far from the truth. 

SHE actually thought she dropped into the abyss as well, but closer to the truth; she has been cleaning, purging junk, organizing and transforming her classroom for the preparation of the precious children under her tutelage.

Existence flanked by the clear out and entrance of students was undetected and the days just rolled into one another. However, with great anticipation that first day the kids appeared where she silently questioned ‘Where in Heaven’s name did the good Lord steer the passage of her ship?’

I am familiar with the situation because that ‘her’ is me….

Fast forward to today-seven weeks later where she, or rather I, can now declare with certainty I am in love! The Cross Categorical Kindergarten I now teach is a perfect landing spot.

One of my little guys is C- who has autism and can be described as intelligent, self-serving and determined as well as warm, loving and sensitive. These qualities were never more evident on Wednesday of last week. It was dismissal so of course it was raining. As his number was called we vacated the safe domain of the building into the soft showers. At this point, he looked at me and said, 'you don't have an umbrella' to which I affirm his observations.

He reaches to his head to remove his hat and asks me to bend down as he places his hat on my head. Warmth envelops me as this petite four year old proceeds to wrap his head with his slight arm to remain dry. My heart melted and I realized every part of my being is captured.

Is it easy? By all means that is an emphatic NO! I don’t recall a point in time where I worked so intensely from the start of the school day to the final bell.  Nevertheless, the rewards have been abundant. 
 
"The journey is the reward."
Chinese Proverb