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
You’ve got a friend in me
~Toy Story
So, I went to my old high school to hang out with the Special Ed class that I used to help teach and aide for. It’s incredible the amount of happiness I get from these kids when they get so excited that I came by for a surprise visit. A few kids in particular:
Korey - He was my special buddy when I was chapter president for Best Buddies Club. We had a very strong bond during my senior year while I was working with all of them. Now, when I go back to visit he gets incredibly excited and it makes me so happy inside that I’ve had such a strong impression on someone.
Reangelo - This kid right here… He is something else. He gave me a hug today and said I smelled really good. I told him it’s because I took a shower this morning. When we got to Robin’s room (his teacher) he told her that he gave me a hug and that I smelled good because I showered. I guess you had to be there, but it was awesome. Not to mention that EVERYONE he sees that he knows he tells him that I’m his friend and that he has my number. Speaking of, he just called me about five minutes ago just to tell me he was walking home and to tell me about how he’s getting a letter jacket (which he already did several times during my visit to the school).
Nick - Man, nothing makes me as giggly as seeing Nick’s smiling face. One of the peer buddies said something which made me feel very special. She said, “Wow. I’ve never seen him so happy before.” I’m going to take credit and say it’s because I was there. :) I used to work with him and help Mrs. Linda feed him and walk him down to lunch. He doesn’t speak, so when he gets really happy and waves his arms and smiles incredibly large and laughs. It’s so adorable. He definitely has a special place in my heart.
Not that the rest don’t, they most definitely do. When I visit last Friday, Mrs. Jamii said something that kind of stuck. She said that I have such a passion for these kids, which I find very true. She also said no one else can take my place, which made me feel very special. It was a high school hobby that I never thought I’d get into, but I did. I was the very first peer buddy and the very first chapter president for that school. Working with them for two years and having such an impact on them is such an incredible feeling, nothing else could even come close to comparison. It’s because of them I feel I might actually make a career out of it.
Also, the friends I’ve made with Robin, Jamii, and Mrs. Linda. They are all such incredible people, as well as some others that work there, but those three have made such an impact on MY life that I will never forget. I truly love them like they were my second mothers (and sister in Robin’s case). Women I’ve known for such a short time, but can confide in and always be given the perfect advice.
“To the world you may be somebody, but to somebody you may be the world.”
This bond between us can’t be broken
I will be here, don’t you cry
Cause you’ll be in my heart
Yes, you’ll be in my heart
From this day on, now and forevermore
~Phil Collins (Tarzan)
