In the Midst

Some days are better than others at any job, this I realize. I just like the easy ones so much more.

Sometimes my days are spent quieting people who are irritated or have a problem or need to complain or just need some TLC. Somtimes I just bounce all day from one thing to another never really finishing one thing in its entirety. (this for a task oriented person is difficult to swallow at times, but Im so much better than I used to be)

At work, somedays, for no foreseeable reason, a multiple issues will arise all at the same time...several things at once that need immediate attention. It can be very stressful. Im getting so much better at juggling but still I get worn out at time.

Today in the midst of the day I got a sweet suprise from a student.

Since the first quarter I have been "working" on this child...he wouldnt make eye contact and would barely speak when spoken to. He rarely smiled. He had friends, he wasnt lonely, but just didnt interact with adults.

Long about October I decided that every time I saw him I would say his name, smile at him, say hello, stop him, comment on something about him...whatever. It was completely thankless for about 9 weeks. I got nothing. Nada. Bubkis. Barely eye contact, definately not any words.

However, slowly....slowly...slowly...he began to engage. A smile here...a good morning there, a little wave to acknowledge my addressing him. Then he actually started telling me how he was when asked!! About a month ago he not only answered my question, but said, "How are you?"

So today, in the midst of my messy, organic, not-get-a-thing-on-my-agenda-done day, this child shows up in my office. He came just to say hey. No real reason. He stayed for all of 20 seconds.

After he said his "hey" and left I realized I was smiling. I was so pleased to see him initiate a conversation. Its growth. And om the midst of the ick-ness of the day that was a sweet gift to find.

It made me remember why I love my profession.