If you have followed me... you know I teach the little ones. First grade to be exact. I have had some challenges in my years... but there are two years that remain very clear in my memory. This post is inspired by LJ' s Favorite Christmas Books post.
I had a child in my class, he was challenged. He had autism.. I never had to deal with that before so it was all foreign territory to me. Now you have to understand... I usually get the kids before they are diagnosed and medicated.
So this young man came to me... totally out of control... I do not have a special education certificate so I was totally unprepared for this.
There were many days when he would have an outburst and I would have to be his straight jacket... literally.. I would wrap my body around him to control him. This was so beyond me... I spent many days in my principals office crying... I did not know what to do. There were days when I was so mad. There were days when I was so exhausted. I came to know the parents well.... and we finally got a plan in place that worked.
I had this little guy for two years. I worked with the parents, the specialists, the doctors. We finally got to a workable place. It was rewarding to see this little guy begin to make friends.. form bonds. First graders are so accepting... so my class accepted him and loved him up...despite his nuances. It was truly heart warming.
It was a long two years.....
I watched as the other first graders opened their hearts and accept this little guy. They helped him. Loved him. It was so neat to see him make friends. So... my two years ended with him.. he was moving on to second grade.
His mom came into my class the last day and gave me a gift. She said read the book before you open the present.
I went home that last day of school... layed across my bed, totally exhausted... last days always tear me apart... I reached into my bag for the book the mom had given me.
I read it....I wish I could tell you the title but I cannot find it right now...
It is the story of a small child who's mother has died. It is Christmas time at school and all of the kids are giving their teacher gifts. This particlar child gives the teacher an old broken watch that her mother wore. The child said the teacher reminded her of her mother. The teacher wore the watch with pride... she knew what a special gift it was.
The teacher and child went on to have a relationship that spanned the years... always keeping in touch.. knowing that each other held such an important spot in their lives. the teacher attended the child's wedding and her wedding gift was a watch.
I closed the book with tears... and then reached for the present and opened it. It was a watch. It literally took my breath away.
I wore the watch for so many years and while this young man was in my school . I would show him I had it it on and remind him he gave it to me.
He moved onto to middle school this year. He walked into my room just the other day.... he said Mrs. J.... I made the honor roll. I gathered him up in my arms... I happen to have his watch on that day. I told him how proud I was of him... and then I pointed to my watch. I said... do you know who gave me this... he said yes... me...and then we just hugged.
I have his sister in my class this year... she too is autistic... I now know how to deal with it....she very rarely smiles... but that is my goal with her...to make her smile... Yes I want to teach her to read and write... but most importantly... I want to teach her to smile.
This child's gift... his book touched my heart in a deep , deep place. that will forever be my favorite Christmas story.....
But you know... the true gift here was love.... just learning to open my heart and to love....
once again... thanks for indulging me.
Love to you!
