YSPIRIT

A chapter of my life closed for a good while today. A BIG chapter of my life. Today was my last day at work. I will be back in the summer but after that I'm not sure. For those who don't know I have worked for the past year and a half at an after school Recreational Therapy program for kids with special needs. I've come to realize as my time at work has wound down how different my life will be without this job. Simply put, this job has been my life. I come home every night at dinner with all kinds of stories about the kids. Ask any of my friends and family and they'll tell you I don't hesitate to talk about work. Sometime I won't stop talking about work! Sorry to anyone who has had to listen to my incessant blabbing.

I remember when I first came to YSPIRIT and how unsure of everything I was. That feeling was only made worse after witnessing some of the kids having what you might call "episodes". I remember one of our girls getting upset during circle time and yelling out, "DO YOU WANT RED MICKEY MOUSE CAKE OR A BLUE ONE!?" My initial reaction to that was, "Ummmm OK... I'll leave now." However, over time I got used to things. That reaction changed as I learned how to help the kids cope when they got upset. I've learned so many things at this job there are too many to count. Perhaps the biggest lesson I've learned is RESPECT. Yes I know it sounds corny! But, a little goes sooo far. By treating these kids with respect and not like they're stupid, I've seen wonderful things happen and come to love each and every one of these kids like equals. I will miss them all dearly. As one final tribute I say "Dirt, Chick-A-Mama, Flower, Daughter, and Niece!"


Say cheese!


Don't blink!!


The Whole Crazy Gang


My boss (in red) and coworkers.