Teachers

On March 12th I posted an entry called Teachers. I made updates to add a picture of my daughter’s teacher, Ms. K.

Thank-you for stopping by to read my entry, whether this is your first view or a return visit!

*********************************************************************************************************

Last week was a thoughtful week.  Sometimes there are unexpected and pleasant surprises.

We received an e-mail message from our daughter’s former middle school teacher.  She was nominated by her school to be teacher of the year.  What an honor!  We were thrilled to hear this! 

I thought about the impact this very wonderful teacher has had on all our lives.  My daughter showed a lot of progress in middle school.  When Mija finished middle school we knew we were really going to miss Ms. K.

Mija is now in high school.  For those of you  who are not familiar, I wrote two posts about my special needs daughter that would set the context for this post:  Peaceful  and My Special Girl, the Pure of Heart.

When my husband runs errands without her people often ask, “Where is she? How is she?  We miss seeing her…”

Those statements amaze me.  In society special needs people are mostly a silent group with little influence.  This is a shame but also a reality.  On a one-on-one level this is not so.  By simply being who she is my daughter has touched others.

Ms. K asked us to attend the awards ceremony.  She recognized it would be too much stimulation for our daughter, but said Mija would be there in spirit.  She invited us because Mija helped her “learn more about how to be a teacher and how to love.”

Ms. K’s statement was very humbling.  Every day my daughter teaches me about myself.  I had no idea of the impact she made on Ms. K.

We are all connected.  It is true that our actions, be they good or bad are like a pebble dropped in a pond.  The effects of what we do will ripple out and be felt and seen even after we walk away from the pond.

Ms. K, I am proud and honored that you were my daughter’s teacher.

With you and with your aides my daughter ate her first Thanksgiving meal.  She began to lose her fears of the world.  You allowed her to take breaks when she needed them while also being firm in letting her know that certain behaviors are not acceptable.

I am deeply humbled that our daughter also touched you and had an influence in your life.  She and I were at home when Al went to see you at the awards ceremony.  I told her about your award.  She may not have fully understood but I wanted her to know that we should celebrate your accomplishments.

My daughter. My teacher…

To Mr. K and all educators who work with special needs children, thank-you.  In partnership with you our children can make a difference in the lives of others.

Congratulations, Ms. K!

“Down” Memory Lane

The WordPress theme was “Down.”   I mulled over this theme for a while.  I didn’t really have any photos that had to do with heights, or, with the emotions that occur when one is down.  I finally settled on taking a walk down memory lane.   I hope you enjoy my little stroll.

My parents met at a church youth group in Southern California in 1949. They were married in 1953 when my dad was on leave from Fort Ord, California.  He had just finished basic training. He was later stationed in Germany during the Korean conflict.

 

My mom’s parents lived with us about half of the year.  During the other half of the year they would visit family in Mexico. The trips to Mexico occurred regularly until my grandfather had a change in health and could no longer travel.

I was accustomed to having three generations in the household.  We used to say the family consisted of my parents, grandparents, six kids and a dog (or two).

    

I happen to be the fourth of the six of us. As you might imaging we had a very active family. Like any home we had our ups and downs. That being said it was generally noisy, hectic and happy.

When I was in high school someone gave me a very large postcard in honor of my family. It said: “Welcome to the House of Perpetual Commotion.”

It was perfect.   We displayed the postcard proudly for years.  Everyone who saw it agreed that it fit!

The photos below were taken on the last Thanksgiving that was spent in the house.  The family had grown to include daughters and sons-in-law plus grandkids.

The children in the last photo are grown.  Some of them now have children of their own.

I know this is just a small glimpse of my family and its history.   My walk down memory lane brought back a lot of fond memories.  I had a good laugh thinking about ideas for future stories.

I hope it also causes you to take  your own stroll and to recount times that you can remember fondly.

What Are You Thankful For?

The WordPress topic for the day is “What are you thankful for?” I’m glad that I am not posting this on Thanksgiving Day.  I believe it’s important to be thankful for something everyday, not just on the day that is set aside for this.

Many people state they are thankful for family, friends, health, food on the table, a roof over their heads, a job.  I am thankful for all these things but there is more that I wish to express.

It’s been a long year.  My job has been very challenging and at times I was pushed to the point of overload.  I am thankful that I persevered in the face of situations that challenged me intellectually and physically.  I learned once again that I can be very resourceful.  I am thankful for my team mates in a brand new department.  Together we tackled some far-reaching issues.  I also learned that I am humbled every day by situations that are larger than I am.  I am thankful that I recognize this.

Through all this my husband has supported me.  He is a full-time parent to our special needs daughter.  I could not do what I do every day if not for him.  He does things for me every day.  I joke that he spoils me rotten.  He does.  I am thankful that he gets up every morning to get Mija and me out the door.  He packs my breakfast and lunch.  He does the laundry.  He does the grocery shopping and cooks dinner.  Day-to-day he manages everything in the house so that I can focus on my work.  He listens to me when I come home after a tough day.  He lets me vent then he recaptures my sense of humor.  There are times when I’m required to travel.  He supports me in this and reminds me that I don’t have to feel guilty about being away.  I am thankful when I’m away from home and I hear his and my daughter’s voices on the phone.

My daughter brings surprises every day.  In her own way she is growing and learning.  Most people won’t see this, but my husband and I are thankful every day for each accomplishment.  Words are not adequate when I say that I am thankful for her, for the medical staff that supports us, for her teachers in school and in her special needs faith class.

I am thankful that I am able to give words to this expression.  I always wanted to blog but felt that I didn’t have the time or the courage to do so.  Even though I am very busy I am thankful that I am making this a priority.  I am thankful I recognize that this expression of myself is important.  From this blog I’ve had messages from family and friends, bringing memories, laughter and ideas for the future.

In the midst of all the ups and downs, take pause.  Be thankful for something no matter how larger or small.  Every day.