My daughter is in kindergarten and has autism. The thought of her starting a new school, especially with her social delays, kept me awake at night last summer. While academics take a backseat for me, my biggest worry was whether she would ever make a friend.
On the first day of school in August, my fears quickly dissipated. My daughter discovered a friend who wasn’t interested in conformity but offered genuine acceptance and belonging. That friend was her teacher, who welcomed her with open arms, saying, “Come as you are.”
Watching my daughter embrace her teacher on that first day was a beautiful sight. Over the next seven months, they forged a profound connection based on trust and love. This woman, once a stranger, became an integral part of our support system. She cares for my child as if she were her own.
Then, the world changed. The coronavirus led to school closures, and my daughter was suddenly separated from her first true friend. Unlike summer break, there was no preparation for this abrupt ending. One moment, everything felt stable; the next, uncertainty loomed large.
How does one explain to a child when their one consistent source of comfort is gone? You don’t; you just stand outside and witness their resilience.
Recently, the teachers and staff from my daughter’s school organized a car parade. We eagerly awaited the event, decorating our sidewalk with colorful chalk messages of encouragement.
As car after car passed by—each one honking, waving, and displaying signs of support—the smile that had faded from my daughter’s face returned. The connection she had with her teachers was so strong that it reached her even from a distance.
By the time the tenth teacher drove by, shouting her name, my heart swelled with joy. They all knew her. Not just her homeroom teacher, but every single one of them.
In that moment, I realized my daughter didn’t just have one friend; she had an entire team dedicated to her. As a special needs parent, that level of acceptance resonates deeply with me.
My daughter stood on the sidewalk, waving until her arm felt like it might fall off. When her classroom teacher approached, she leaped for joy, running after the car to present a flower she had handpicked. As the teacher drove away, she called out, “I love you, Mia!”
In these dark times, it’s a reminder of the profound beauty that exists. It was a heartfelt affirmation for a mother who once worried that her child might not be valued by others.
To all the teachers out there: You are our heroes. Your work goes beyond the classroom; you shape lives. You see and celebrate each child for who they are, not just for their challenges. Your dedication nurtures a sense of humanity, kindness, and inclusion—skills that will serve these children far better than any standardized test ever could.
You give selflessly so others can thrive. On a cool spring day, amidst a global pandemic, the most deserving individuals drove by our home, delivering hope.
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In summary, even when schools are closed, teachers continue to show up for their students in remarkable ways, bringing joy and hope during uncertain times.
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