Today was the last day I'll work with my favorite little guy. For the past two years I've enjoyed working as a one-to-one skills trainer for a boy with autism. He is pretty much the coolest kid ever and I'm so blessed to have had him in my life.
It is an amazing experience to observe someone with some very major challenges overcome obstacles I couldn't even begin to imagine. In the past two years I've seen this boy learn to read, master dribbling a basketball, offer sincerest comfort to those in need (including me), have meltdowns I was sure he'd never come out of, progress massively in reducing self-injury, and wow everyone with the darndest since of humor.
One thing is for sure, I will never underestimate a child with disabilities again.
For our last day of summer school we enjoyed watching "Toy Story," one of his favorite movies. He happens to know every line and does a great version of the theme song, "You Got a Friend in Me." I'll miss you my friend and I know now that I learned far more from you than you did from me.
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
When the road looks rough ahead
And you're miles and miles
From your nice warm bed
Just remember what your old pal said
Boy, you've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
You've got troubles, well I've got 'em too
There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you
We stick together and we see it through
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
Some other folks might be
A little bit smarter than I am
Bigger and stronger too
Maybe
But none of them will ever love you the way I do
It's me and you
And as the years go by
Boys, our friendship will never die
You're gonna see
It's our destiny
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
Oh man. Totally crying. You guys were lucky to have shared this time.
ReplyDeleteMan, that made me tear up...
ReplyDelete