In November of 2017, we were contacted by Rebekah Edwards, a paraeducator asking to be a guest blogger for us. After reading her first post, we agreed her story was something worth sharing. Rebekah reached out to us from a Central Time Zone State. We are glad to have the ability to share Rebekah’s reflection with her student, the type of professional connection many paraeducators have with many different students in their careers.
June 2017
Dear “B”,
The time has come for me to say goodbye. I have not looked forward to this day. When I have thought about moving away, I quickly re-shift my thoughts. My heart hasn’t been able to “go there.”
The first time I saw you, it was love at first sight. I knew without question I had been called to teach and love you. I felt the important weight of that charge. I knew immediately what a precious gift you are, and what a privilege it was to serve you. It did not take long for your presence in our school to bring joy to everyone in the building. Your personality casts rays of happiness to each person you come in contact with. Smiles are an involuntary reflex to all when you walk into a room.
I am so proud of what we have accomplished together in the two short years since we met. You have risen to the challenges you have been given. I have loved watching you learn and grow. You have left me in awe, with the capacity of your great mind. You have been so hungry for knowledge that at times I couldn’t feed you fast enough. I have received the greatest fulfillment teaching you to read, helping you count, and watching your world blossom through the power of an education. You have truly been the greatest highlight of my career. I have improved as a human because of you. You have helped me grow in grace towards others. You have taught me how to be a better friend. You have ushered much laughter into my life. You have facilitated a greater love in my heart. Because of you, I have experienced God in the most uniquely beautiful way than I ever have before.
There is a promising and purposeful plan for your life! I had hoped to journey further with you into your future, but I have been praying for the one who will now step into that role. I hope they will be everything you need them to be, so that you will exceed all expectations and reach all your dreams. As much as I love you, I desire them to love you
more than I ever could.
At the end of the iconic movie, “E.T.,” E.T. prepares to board his mothership to return home, and leave Elliot behind. He reaches his alien finger out towards Elliot’s heart and says, “I’ll be right here.” A day may come when I am a vague memory to you, but your heart light will shine in me forever.
Love,
Mrs. Edwards
Do you have any comments about this week’s blog? Do you have a question for us? Would you like to be a guest blogger? Would you like to have an opportunity to pilot some materials at your campus? Find ParaEducate online here, here, here, here, and on our website. Paraeducate is a company interested in providing materials, information, and strategies for people working in special education inclusion settings for grades K-12. ParaEducate, the blog, is published weekly during the academic school year on Thursdays, unless a holiday. ParaEducate shares their findings at conferences, through their books, and their academic adaptations.
