Who is Worth More?

Someone recently accused me of having a blog that is hurtful and insulting. I gotta tell ya that I don't really see it, but maybe because the opinions are MINE. I would like to think that I am secure enough in my beliefs that someone could come along and express ANYTHING and it would not change a whole lot about how I see the world or my view of how things work, or at least should work.

On my way to Jamaica a few years ago I had a discussion with my Mom about my special needs kids and I just became overwhelmed with emotion about the irony of how the world works and who is deemed IMPORTANT in this world. Almost every one of my co-workers has heard what a "special" person it takes to do their job. Makes me laugh -- do you mean like "Special Olympics-type" of special or that it's unusual? I realized during the conversation with my Mom how CRAZY the world is to think the most innocent people on this earth are the most worthless. I had a woman in Boston tell me that people are "irresponsible" to bring a special needs child into this world when the ultrasound shows that child to be severely disabled. Back then I wanted to physically harm this woman, but now I just shake my head and pray for her. I wish she could know the joy of working with my kids. Can you imagine if God appeared to you in your living room and said "Here is my Archangel Gabriel or Michael or Betty and I want you to spend your time with them for your career" how you might react? The lawyers with whom I have worked vs. the kids with whom I have worked. Who does the world deem more "special" or important? People may not know what goes on behind the doors of our school, but I can tell you that there is a LOT more joy here, by FAR, than in a lawfirm where I spent 13 years of my life. I am blessed enough to bring smiles to their faces and make them giggle and learn and experience music and smells and trees and symphonies that they may never have had the chance to see or experience -- and I get to spend my time with them and learn the meaning of patience (hurry up teacher, I've been sitting in this same position for 2 hours and I have an itch!), love (who smiles at you every single time you show up despite having a painful bed sore or new nasal tube?) and innocence -- true, spiritual innocence that NONE of us have? Do you think the lawyers have brought me (or anyone) a whole lot of that joy? I know we NEED lawyers for some circumstances, I'm sorry if you are a faithful and devout lawyer out there, but I haven't met many and I've worked with lawyers in Florida, Massachusetts and Georgia. It's not about the love so much in that workplace.

I've just been dreaming about one student in particular and realized he has taught me so many lessons. Without saying one word he has touched me more than lots of people I have encountered. I don't need a big hug from him to know what kind of love he has in there. I'm definitely a better parent to my girls because of all my students, but I owe a special hug to this one in particular. xoxo