Teach your children well

It's been a week of ups and downs.

Not much surf today, and I was glad because I volunteered to help sign up people for surf lessons at the pier to help celebrate the city of St. Augustine Beaches 50th birthday. Intermittent rain and gray skies kept the crowds down. They really didn't need me. After my sentence was through, I went to lunch with Bob and Cindy and we caught up on life. It was nice, very nice.

This week I learned more than ever, and realized I am exactly where I need to be at this moment in time. Never before have I felt like this. Around every corner is something just waiting to help you grow. Working with autistic kids is the most challenging thing I have ever done. There were moments this week that seemed almost like a neon sign was flashing, saying: Yes, this is what it is all about. Just keep smiling.

There was one moment on Friday, in that first grade classroom, when we were all joined as one, smiling at the complete humor of the moment. This autistic kid just could not get it, and in that moment, it all seemed so simple. To be out of step with everyone else, sometimes, is the best place to be. Even the teacher felt it, and seemed to realize that control and unity aren't always the most important thing. Sometimes the most important thing is that you just have to let it go, and laugh.