Many of you know how much I loved my public relations job at Easterseals (previously it was Easter Seals). It was a position where I could write, and feel good about working for a cause--helping people with disabilities. I worked on the best campaign, which was around advocating for early intervention and for young children at risk for developmental delays. I wrote their stories about overcoming adversity and how Easterseals therapists helped them achieve their goals. I met amazing children and their resilient families.
This year, one of the moms I babysit for mentioned her son needed some extra help at school. She wanted to know if I was interested in this as a part-time job. At first, I thought of it as temporary, additional income, but it quickly became so much more than that.I am passionate about providing early intervention for this little guy with autism (let's call him Max). Max quickly became my buddy, and is making so much progress every day. He is only three, and he knows his colors, numbers, shapes, letters, and letter sounds. He has a brilliant speech therapist, a wonderful occupational therapist, and a mom who is his greatest advocate.
I can honestly say this is the most fulfilling experience--to see a child grow; to learn to cope, communicate, eat with a spoon, wash his hands, and play. There is nothing else I'd rather do than spend my weekday mornings with Max. 