I LOVE YOU SPECIAL

The first time I met seven-year-old Lacey, she stole my heart. Her long, blond ponytail bounced behind her, reflecting her bubbly personality. Her blue eyes sparkled from behind thick, heavy glasses.  And I soon learned that her sparsely toothed grin is a smile that doesn't quit. Lacey has Down's Syndrome. In spite of her difficulty in learning quickly. She is curious and eager to try. She ran so fast during recess I could barely keep up. Everyone marveled at the way she performed flips and turns on the monkey bars. Friends from all classes flocked to her.

  Sometimes Lacey was overwhelmed and covered her eyes until I helped her escaped from so much excitement.Before she did, she always hugged the other students, whom she genuinely loved. Unlike the other kids, Lacey never called me Mrs. Donihue or Mrs. D.; she's always called me "Teach." At times she could be stubborn. Arms and Legs crossed on the rug, she would refuse to do her work, but her pout would soon leave and her irresistible smile returned.

After three years with us, Lacey moved on to another school. I could barely contain the tears when we said good-bye. We had developed a special kind of love. Lacey still has a corner of my heart. I keep her picture up and pray for her. Occasionally, she returns to visit our class. And one of my biggest thrills is when I'm in a store or restaurant and hear her unmistakable strong, husky voice call, "Hey, Teach!" The world around us seems to stop. Lacey dashes toward me and I brace myself. Arms and legs fly around my waist and neck in a vise like hug that I joyfully return. Then I hear the words that warm and melt my heart. "I love you, Teach. I love you special."

I am here for a purpose. I came from heaven above with something great to give you: A special kind of love.