I don’t work with the special education kids – but I am really close and I am able to watch others work with them. Not all of them are mentally retarded, autistic or physically handicapped – some deal with serious emotional issues. I watch a friend of mine (a few friends actually) deal with these kids daily – and I watch as these kids have good days and bad days. On their good days you can see the pride fill the eyes of the aides and teacher as the children tell them they love them and thank them for the help they get. Then there are the bad days… The pain that fills my friends’ eyes when these children are cold and mean to them is just unfair.

I was just talking (last week) how I rationalize reasons the kids I work with act the way they do (sometimes). I have to tell myself that they are just teenagers and that they do not really hate me. There are days when they make coming to work a treat – then other days they are a nightmare to be around. I work with the “normal” children whereas my friends work with kids who could hurl a chair at their face at any second. Again – not totally their fault. My friends have faith in these children and believe in them – where no one else, even family, does. Someone has to – right? I can feel the love when I enter their room – and I can feel the pain. Today my friend was dealing with one of his kids with emotional problems – all day long this kid was yelling at my friend. This isn’t anything out of the norm for this kid – he pretty much goes around and tells (whomever he pleases) off. He’s awfully rude to the front office lady – who is one of the sweetest people ever! But, it’s my friend it hurts the most. He has so much faith in this boy and so much love in his heart for this boy – he would take him home if he could. He gives this boy a person of understanding and trust to come to whenever he needs to talk. He provides a couch for the boy to take a nap on, knowing he didn’t get any sleep at home. He’s the best thing this boy has ever had – and will probably ever have. So, when the boy has nothing but abuse to dish out all over my friend – it’s hard for my friend to take. The boy probably feels safe and figures no matter what he dishes out to this teacher – he won’t leave. Or – he’s thinking that everyone in life has turned their backs on him – he’s just waiting for this teacher to do the same. My friend will never – no matter what – turn his back on this boy.

My friend cares so much about these kids that sometimes he snaps at the aides who help him care for them – inadvertently, I’m sure. The aides (my friends, too) know he’s not really attacking them – but it hurts just the same. It’s almost a violent cycle – the children annoy the teacher – the teacher snaps at his co-workers – everyone is now sad. I hate these days – but I know it’s par for their course. It sucks for them – but these folks have it within them to take it and let it go. They make each day a new day – a fresh start – and harbor no hard feelings. I couldn’t do their jobs and I wouldn’t want to, but that is why they are in the position they are in with these kids who need them.

My friend had a great big heart – enough room for his family, friends and any child who comes his way for help. He’s an awesome guy who needs an acknowledgement. His co-workers (aides) also need a great big “Thanks for everything you do!” by the entire staff. I hope they know they make me proud each and every day – good job guys!

BTW – this guy I’m talking about here is none other than the Mr. Naughty Pants we all love, and his ladies (Mrs. Bitch Pants, Mrs. Smarty Pants and Miss. Hotsy-Totsy Pants). I just hope Mr. Naughty Pants never gets immune to his job and is forever as wonderful as he is now with the kids he works with.

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