Today's question in the Ask Me a Question series comes from iWriter, and it's a tough one.
In the story of your life, what is the exclamation point?
I've been thinking about this one all day and I've been having a hard time coming up with an answer. Mostly that's because I can't think of any specific "Aha" moments or life-changing events that have defined me. I want my answer to be profound and touching, but it's just not happening. Then again, I suppose how I answer depends on how I interpret "exclamation point", and since I'm answering the question, I guess I can interpret it however I want. So let's say that the exclamation point is the time in my life when I felt like I was making the biggest impact.
In that case, my story's exclamation point was the two years I spent working one-on-one with two autistic boys. I wrote about B a while back, but my time with him (and his family) has forever shaped who I am and what I believe in. And A was a challenge like no other, but his wide smile and gangling, uncoordinated limbs could make me laugh on even the worst of days.
With those two boys, every vowel sound--and later word--spoken, every hour without aggression, every toy shared with a classmate, was a major success. Having the opportunity to teach and shape those boys each day during those two years made me feel like I was truly making a difference. Even if only for a short time and on a very small scale.
If you've got a burning question for me but haven't had a chance to ask it, you can go to the original post and leave your question in a comment. I'll keep answering a question or two a day until they're all answered.
If you're just tuning in, check out the rest of the series.
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3 comments:
here is an excercise for you, below is a list of song titles and/or lyrics that are in the form of a question.
you can either tell us the song/singer or give us an answer or both.
Why do birds suddenly appear, every time you are near?
Why can't this be love?
What's love got to do with it?
Who let the dogs out?
Who says you can't go home?
Where do broken hearts go?
When will I be loved?
Challenge!!
What a fine answer. Having taught young elementary special ed (class of 10) for 3 years, I can so relate. It's a tough job, but oh so rewarding.
Jen - That's quite the challenge! I think I'm up for it, though.
Angie - It was the most rewarding time in my life. As burned out as I was after 7 years working with kids with developmental disabilities and severe behavior problems, I still miss those kids almost every day.
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