well, i survived my first week in the classroom. we have 15 children in the morning session alone. 11 of them have identified disabilities, and the other 4...well i'd say maybe have yet to identify theirs. i'm kidding. it is the attempt of the school to mix typically developing children with those who have disabilities in hopes of providing an appropriate model. in hopes, hopes...hopes. kids are kids. i am not even sure how one would identify what the hell is typical, but you get the drift.
this years friends, although adorable, are a little, um interesting. we have those who have language delays, "ok michael. what is your dad's name?" "hot dog." sure it is. or, "hello ryan, my name is linda. what is your name?" "my name is linda. what is your name." wait, is there an echo in here? of course the fellow that can't stop splashing in the toilet, or answer a yes/no question, but bops into class greeting his friends with a big, fat, "wassss up bitches???" there was that one moment when i looked down and find a spout of blood coming from a child's hand. don't worry he was just standing there looking around. not at all concerned with, well, anything. we have the world's grouchiest 3-year old. seriously, home girl will. not. crack. a. smile. not happening. i mean the scowl is impeccable, the kind i would guess taking most way beyond 3 years to perfect. there is the "potty trained" one who says "potty" as she is creating a small lake in the circle time rug. not exactly how i define potty trained, but alright. the little friend who rolls in wearing shoes i am pretty sure came out of my closet. oh and my favorite. the town gossip, as i have dubbed him. he knows the biz before tmz. he will let you know who, what, where, when, with the detail and enthusiasm of a world class broadway actor. only catch. boy has a one, yes one, singular, word vocabulary. the rest of his uh, presentation, comes from gestures, sign, grunts, interpretive dance. it is too much. and when he is not busy keepin' tabs on the homies, he slumps his 2'11" doughy body to one side and rests his little pudgy hand on the back of his hip, a la pregnant woman. side by side we actually look like a twisted forest gump reenactment.
now, there are days when i walk into this job and think, "what in the hell am i doing?" but, who doesn't have days like that? i am so honored to know each of these little people and thank god for giving me a little role in their great big lives. i learn constantly, laugh often, cry just enough, and feel constantly reminded that god has the perfect plan for all of us.
