It's funny the things you remember. Eight years ago today started off to be a very insignificant day. Until I walked in late to Mr. Simpson's eighth grade science class, sat down next to Sean Hill, and tried to put the pieces together of what I was seeing on TV. The halls were eerily quiet that day. Some of my teachers cried. Some kids were making phone calls from the office to check on their family members on the east coast. Minus the fact that I live in the United States, I was completely unaffected. This has basically been the story of my life. In the middle of other people's suffering and loss, I have had my own small trials. But all in all, God has been very gracious to me, though I am the least deserving. My heart aches for the people who lost loved ones on that day, especially for those who do not have the joy that comes from knowing a beautiful Savior who will one days make all things right. I long for the day when there will be no more tears and "everything bad will become untrue".
In the middle of sadness and loneliness, it is refreshing to hear the laughter of precious children. Nothing is really "normal" in a special ed classroom, which is why I think laughter is even more therapeutic. Kids have bad days, teachers have bad days, aides have bad days... but always at some point during the day, a student laughs, and I think that only a very bitter person can resist laughing along with them. Lately I have had some trouble not laughing "at" kids. I don't mean to, but sometimes the mistakes they make are just so cute. My laughing at them is not an "oh, you're so dumb" kind of laugh, but more of a "you are just the cutest kid" one. I have never been a huge fan of boogers, bathroom issues, and 20-second attention spans (or, elementary schools in general!), but the kids really ARE worth it. I'm thankful that God put kids on this earth to remind us of the simple joys in life, and the importance of laughter.
