Unconditional Love

So I have an exceptional child in my classroom. (Exceptional is the new buzz word for "special ed.") He has grown on me since the beginning of school. He now has a big place in my heart. Today I broke some other pieces of my heart and his.

At the end of 9 weeks, we have a special event for the kiddos to do something fun if their behavior has been good and they have been responsible. This was his first time to make it. Everyone was so happy for him especially me.

He goes to work with an exceptional educator each day and today just happened to be right before our special event. 1:30 came and I took my kiddos out. Everyone that is except him. I forgot he was gone. At 2:30 when we came back, he was in my line. I asked him if he had a good time and he said he hadn't gone. What? "Ms.Quarles, you forgot me."

Heart breaks.

By the time I figured out what happened he held his head high, but huge crocodile size tears were spouting out. I asked for his forgiveness and his reply "Yes, Ms.Quarles. You are still my favorite teacher."

Daggers to my heart.

My eyes started getting wet and I tried my hardest to hold it in. He gave me a hug. I said a quick prayer. What a lesson on unconditional love and forgiveness.