Oh... that good news...

A couple days ago, before I got sick again :::sigh:: I promised you some good news.

One of my kids has been with me a few years. He has some issues (don't they all?) but they don't matter in my treatment of him, other than causing me to view him with more compassion. He doesn't get a free pass because of his issues, but knowing why he reacts the way he does to some things does cause me to look at him differently.

He's a smart boy. Knowledgeable about many different things. He loves to read. He's incredibly creative in his mind, but translating those ideas to things like art projects doesn't work very well for him. The Legos, the k'nex, magnetic building blocks... those are things that hold his attention and give him a sense of satisfaction.

He has worked hard to overcome some of his impulsiveness and inappropriate responses to situations and other kids. I've seen very real progress during the time he's been with me.

His mom decided to send him to a private school this year. It was decided based on smaller class size and a couple other factors that made it a good choice for him.

I was sad because after seeing his success over the last couple years I wasn't going to get to see how he's doing, but I understood the reasons behind the choice. I've missed having him with me.

But last week, for various reasons, his mom decided that she'd really like to have him with me after school again.

So on the days he attends my program, they pick him up at his school and drive all the way across our area to bring him to me.

The other kids have welcomed him back. The private school uniform he's wearing gives him a little street cred with the other kids. They've gathered around him, asking all kinds of questions. I've never seen him so outgoing. :)

I had a conversation with my manager when I saw his name appear on my contracted schedule. She told me that his mom had been very complimentary about my program and then shared some of the reasons his mom wanted him back with me.

I can't tell you all of the reasons without giving away some of his secrets, but Mom did say to me personally that, "He knows you like him. You respect him exactly as he is while holding him to high standards. And then you help him get there."

I have received different accolades and official 'attaboy' stuff while doing my job. Some of those things come from corporate channels, but many more of them come from the parents and children I serve.

A performance review and a raise, while appreciated, don't have nearly the impact that those few sentences did.

Hits me right in my middle.

Once again, I am so glad to be where I am, doing what I do.