A basic Freedom

I think that mobility is definitely a basic freedom and that is one reason I do the work that I do each day and love it so much. I admit that I had a long hard week this week after spring break (does every IEP have to be scheduled right now and do the children HAVE to decide to act up after being home a week?) but I still absolutely think that if I have to work it is the best job I could possibly have. I love that I am helping these kids do basic every day things that we all take for granted as sighted people. I really get fulfillment being able to see milestones in my kids from the big to the very small. I am not saying it is all fun and games and it is many days very challenging but it is also very rewarding. Go ahead and blindfold yourself for one day or even one hour and try to do a couple normal things like eating or brushing your teeth and taking a short walk (with a friend) and you will have a greater appreciation for what some people deal with all the time. I knew that I would love helping the people in this profession but I had no idea what perks I would get from it. I have a 6 hour work day! Ok don't fool yourself, I sometimes am up late writing assessments or planning random lessons or staying after school to teach children or for a meeting. Overall it works out pretty well though. I get to have so much fun with the kids and teens and yet still know they are learning valuable lessons. Once again, not all the students make it so fun all the time and in fact, most make it quite challenging because they don't want to do O&M that day. Also we are out in the weather and many times it is either freezing or too hot. Then there are other times and students that make it seem like a piece of cake. On a beautiful day taking a walk down the street to practice cane skills on the way to the park I sometimes forget I am working. Teaching my student to go and order a donut and sit down independently is so valuable but something we take for routine and easy. Taking a bus ride, crossing the street, or starting a conversation with a group of people without the visual cues are all things we take for granted. Sometimes my job saddens me because I learn personal stories of many of my children and you somewhat have to distance yourself from the situation so you don't take it all on. (I will never harden myself like a cop don't worry it is against my nature) . It breaks my heart when I know I am taking my student to the park for the first time in their lives, or that they have parents that don't give them the time of day, or that they are in the hospital and could pass away any minute. It even confirms to me more than ever that I was correct in going against differing opinions that I should indeed have kept my daughter. There are SOOOOO many children out there that do not even get half the love my own daughter gets and if people want to adopt a child there are plenty of them to pick from. Since I could provide a good life for mine I definitely did the right thing. Also, a lot of my job is being a psychologist because there are so many implications to the parents and children with their disability(s). I have to talk and think like a counselor many times to the children and adults in their lives as well as fellow teachers I need to come in contact with and inform of their needs. Every day is new and different. Oh, I get all the vacations off that a teacher gets! It is so perfect especially being a mother. I have-one-on-one students and don't have to maintain a classroom. I am telling you, it is a great job and lots of fun. I know most of you are probably still unclear on what I really do. There is a book that I hope to buy soon called "Traveling Blind" by Laura Fogg. I would encourage any of you that have time and are interested to borrow this book from me and read it because not only will it tell you more about what I do but it sounds like a great story of the human spirit. Well I will let you know after I read it but people I know have said that. Phew that was a long winded post!