A Second Helping
The really great thing about Old Country Buffet is that you can go back for a second helping of rich chocolate cake with a dollop of creamy vanilla frozen yogurt. The really bad thing about Old Country Buffet is that you can go back for a second helping of rich chocolate cake with a dollop of creamy vanilla frozen yogurt.
That segue into this paragraph is probably not as smooth as the frozen yogurt on my chocolate cake, but we’re here. And we’re talking about the tiny seats on the school bus in which I rode on Friday. Really! The seats were made for mini muffins. The extra wide aisle to accommodate the wheel chairs forces the bench to be much smaller and only allows for two small children.
When my new little friend across the wide aisle verbally instructed me to fasten my seat belt? I smiled meekly and didn’t let her see me roll my eyes. Hey sweetie….fat Chance. In addition to the squeeze, there wasn’t anywhere near enough strap.
Riding with handicapped students on a bus is just one of the experiences afforded me through my on call status with the school district. I’ve been learning a great deal about special education and the children who receive it. What really surprised me are the people who provide it. They work hard for rare moments. They get discouraged but don’t stop. They smile. They encourage. I think they cry when no one is looking.
And more than anything, I can see that the really bad thing about their jobs is also the really great thing about their jobs.
* * *
Ps. No, I do not plan to try and fill the shoes of one of these people. I already know I don’t fit in their seats. (Thank you Old Country Buffet.)
That segue into this paragraph is probably not as smooth as the frozen yogurt on my chocolate cake, but we’re here. And we’re talking about the tiny seats on the school bus in which I rode on Friday. Really! The seats were made for mini muffins. The extra wide aisle to accommodate the wheel chairs forces the bench to be much smaller and only allows for two small children.
When my new little friend across the wide aisle verbally instructed me to fasten my seat belt? I smiled meekly and didn’t let her see me roll my eyes. Hey sweetie….fat Chance. In addition to the squeeze, there wasn’t anywhere near enough strap.
Riding with handicapped students on a bus is just one of the experiences afforded me through my on call status with the school district. I’ve been learning a great deal about special education and the children who receive it. What really surprised me are the people who provide it. They work hard for rare moments. They get discouraged but don’t stop. They smile. They encourage. I think they cry when no one is looking.
And more than anything, I can see that the really bad thing about their jobs is also the really great thing about their jobs.
* * *
Ps. No, I do not plan to try and fill the shoes of one of these people. I already know I don’t fit in their seats. (Thank you Old Country Buffet.)
Comments
My daughter has worked for 2 years now as a para in a special Ed high school class. Last year she was one of 5 and this year because of budget cuts, there are only two. That is crazy. When I hear stories about what she does all day, I can't believe they can get by legally with only 2 paras. Yes, she does receive many blessings, but boy is she tired at the end of the day.
I can just see you in that bus seat (o:
My Daughter is finding out about the special needs program...she is a school bus driver and sometimes gets the special needs kids...being around these kids is a lesson in humility n thankfulness.
Fortunately we don't have an Old Country buffet here !
i teach students like this. they are mainstreamed into my regular art classes. and yes, i have tremendous respect for those that teach them on a daily basis.
I admire anyone who works with special needs children/adults. My friend June does volunteer work with the elderly, many of whom are in wheelchairs and have dementia...I helped her one day and I tell ya, I couldn't do it again. I get too emotional seeing them like that. xoxo
nice writing woman!
Now ... let's go have some frozen yogurt.
hee hee.
It couldn't be the size of our butts. How can we challenge the data presented by our eyes and measuring tapes? There MUST be a way. lol.
I'll keep looking while I'm out hiking.
But maybe I'll find a smaller butt as I walk.
My boys LOVE Old Country Buffet!!
Sounds like a really rewarding thing you're doing there.
Glad you liked the story of Jasmine. It was quite popular one.
Take care, my friend, Love, Merle.
p.s. If you have time, join us for Fun Monday. I'm hosting.
I heap my plate really high so I don't have a second helping. :) Just so you know, that doesn't work too well either.
Now that was funny enough... but then you added the killer punch... (Thank you Old Country Buffet) Very good.