Friends To Family In 9 Years

Over the past 9 years we could have written a book if we had just jotted down all the adorable and unbelievable antics of the hundreds of heart kids who have grown through our special ed classroom. Tammy and I have worked side by side with kids who stole both our hearts and made us double over with laughter.  Kids say the darnedest things and having her there to chuckle along with me makes it all the better.

From the kiddo who told us that only his face was crying, to the student who hid in a bathroom stall as we hunted the entire school grounds as well as the neighborhood. Tammy and I have seen and heard all there is to experience in a special ed classroom. Our class has evolved over the years, now we have a whole living/learning environment with lamplight and soft places to learn. We believe learning can take place even better on a stability ball where kids can wiggle than in hard cold chairs.

Not only our program has grown and matured, so have Tammy and I. We have moved from our 40s into our 50s together, from computers  to laptops, and from classroom to classroom. Throughout the past decade Tammy and I have shared our lives as well as those of our students. Our paths have not always been easy with our families or our students. Somehow, we have always been there to share and support each other. More than once she has been there cradling me in her arms, on the floor, as I cried over the brokenness of 1 of my kids or the separation from the love of my life. But we have rejoiced together also, as our kids succeeded and relationships healed. There always seems to be the perfect worship song that God reveals to inspire us to take the next step in life's journey. Our shared faith has been at the base of our friendship and believe me, there is prayer in school!

I don't know if anyone in this world knows my heart better than this friend (sister) of mine. She has been beside me for the joys and the pains life throws in my path. Quietly and lovingly she is just there with exactly the right words to soothe and support me.

This year her role is not in my classroom much. What an adjustment for us who work so beautifully as a team. Even if she is only there a fraction of the day, her desk is there and we have managed to start and end the day, at least for a few minutes, together. Life and work would be impossible if we could not touch base. So we catch up when we can and hopefully she will be back in our classroom again soon.

In Him,
Joyfully thankful for my friend
9-8-2010