Three

And so it continues... a story about a journey across time and space... Uh yeah... not really space... but time definitely. :0)

Dinner tonight was amazing as always. The company delightful and full of wisdom... the food excellent... and the accomplishment of the day perfect.

I am moving. As of tomorrow I will be a permanent resident up in a northern town outside of the hub bub of the Bay Area. California is still my home but Redding instead of Livermore is my city. The bright lights and busy nights are going to be no more. Relaxation and meditation are just two things that Redding offers... and a new job.

The exciting part of the new job is that I am teaching something I have never taught before. A population of students with no significant disabilities. For the past 10 years I have been a teacher to students with severe mental or physical disabilities. It has been fun but I was ready for a change.

This summer I was offered a position that I was very used to in Livermore. It payed great money, had an easy commute, and was in a smaller school. The only thing the job in Redding had that was better was regular education students. The pay is much less and the commute is about the same, but the students. Oh man! I couldn't believe my ears when the superintendent offered me something totally unexpected. I count this as a blessing from God. Something I dreamed of and discussed with God. Yet, something I thought would take years to achieve through tenure and longevity in a district.

I have been told by many friends and administrators that I am a great special education teacher. I don't always believe it but I can see where their opinions come from. Students were always treated as humans. Nothing more and nothing less... just human. I tried to treat any student that walked through my door as normal as possible.

Each student in my eyes has the ability to achieve great things if they choose to. It ultimately is their decision regardless of mental or physical capability. As students got to know me and how I taught them they learned to respect themselves and those around them. I tried to throw in as much life experience and wisdom as possible.

In the end I love to teach. To see the light bulb go off. The glimmer of hope in their eyes as they being to feel confident about learning and what doors it opens in their lives. To help parents with their children and to feel validated and hopeful. Giving hope to all types of people is a gift from God that I hope to spread.