Every kid has a place where they truly feel like they fit. A place where they can be creative, think, explore, express themselves in his or her own way. A place where it’s okay to make mistakes, where risks are seen as opportunities to explore. The kind of place where others try to see their point of view, not just to see, but to understand. As a mom, I’ve always wished for this kind of place for my own child. She’s had caring teachers, the best counselors. People who love her like we do. But, that place? It didn’t exist. She’s wired differently. She sees things most of us don’t. Noises are louder. Details bigger. Emotions range in a different way. But, she’s not broken. No child is.
She’s just been searching for a place. The kind of place where she could exhale. Breathe out. Be understood.
She’s found it. A school where she fits. A new school, in a new city, farther away from friends and family than we ever thought we’d be. A place where she can exhale and grow. A place that’s all hers. Along the way, she’s taught me just how important that is. Sure, as a teacher, I always knew it was. But, knowing and understanding are two different things.
Now? I understand on another level that I didn’t even know existed. My ears and eyes are open, but so is my heart. Because every kid deserves to find that place.
