Kevin

After coming out of retirement, I was inspired by the school principal to work with handicapped children. Because of my teaching experience in bilingual education, she believed I was greatly needed by these children. When I walked into the classroom, I realized it was a totally different world. I took a deep breath and asked the Lord, "What am I doing here? How am I going to reach out to these children? I know nothing about special-needs and development children and handicapped children."A crying Down syndrome child walked up to me and hugged me; he said, "You are my friend." I melted because this child loved me. I realized I was the one who needed them. I had another experience when I had a child in a wheelchair; we were going to the gym when a kindergarten child from general ed. asked me if the child was dead. I was speechless.A special-needs teacher handled the situation. She redirected the kindergarten child to look at his shoes, clothing, and hair. She said, "He is taking a long nap, but he will wake up in the gym. You can say hi to him." These are some of the reasons why I wrote this children's book. I believe it is of vital importance for other children to know that they learn just like them; there is no difference. Special-needs teachers need to be celebrated and be told they are doing a great job. I thank the teachers for the training they have given me and the love I get from the children.

-- Graciela Estebane