Additional Needs

The Greatest Teacher

Posted by Melissa Schlemmer on 3rd October 2018 Additional Needs, Disabilities

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To my son as he enters kindergarten,

You’ve reached a major milestone.

Kindergarten.

I don’t even know how we got here. I can’t even believe it. These last five years have flown by. It really is true, time flies. I know you’re ready to spread your wings and fly. You are ready for so much more, ready to make new friends and memories. Ready to soak in all the knowledge you can. The ABC’s and 123’s, colors, shapes, and so much more.

There isn’t a doubt in my mind that you are going to be amazing. Not one doubt that you’re ready. But are they ready for you?

Are they ready to be forever changed?

You will teach those around you that you don’t need to speak to have something to say.  You will teach your peers that above anything else, kindness is what counts. You will teach everyone that you can listen with your heart, you just have to try hard enough.

You will show everyone that who you are on the outside matters very little, it’s the inside that’s the real deal. You will prove to them that hard work really does pay off.  You will teach them all to be grateful for every. Little. Thing.

You will show them that life is truly what you make of it.  You will show them over and over that sometimes the little moments in life are actually the big moments. You will teach them that there is so much more to learn than what is taught in a book.

You will teach them that pity is not compassion.

You will prove that regardless of ability, everyone has something to offer.  You will show them that hope, even just a sliver, can carry someone an awfully long way.

You will teach them to get back up after they fall.  You will teach them that the most important things in life are definitely not things.  You will remind them not to take anything for granted. Ever.

I have always known you would change the world. Even if it’s one person at a time. So, as you head into kindergarten, I am beyond proud to be your mom. I know you will be an excellent student.

But you, my son, are the greatest teacher.