Friday, May 11, 2007

We Never Stop Learning

This is an interesting article that rethinks what we really know about death. Oxygen gives life, sustains life; lack of oxygen takes life, but restoring it too quickly can end life permanently.

I have been doing some rethinking myself lately. What is it that I really know, that I deep-down-to-my-toes really know? What it comes down to is this - I know we are all here to experience, to choose, to learn, to grow, and to become or - not. I also know that it looks, feels, tastes, sounds, smells, and ultimately is different for each of us.

In special education, students are served by an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). It is designed specifically for that student, to help him/her to increase their abilities. If they do not want to participate or are unable to do certain activities, it will take longer for progress to occur.

I was joking with a friend the other day that we are all on an IEP. An experienced team has met and taken into account our unique ablities and strengths as well as the areas in which we can improve, and has designed an individualized education plan to help us reach the next rung on the ladder of personal growth. I guess to some extent, I feel we are all in Special Ed.

I know my analogy could use some work, but I find it ironic that the same day we held a 3 hour meeting and designed what I thought was Ty's best IEP so far, our real education began. I think we have finally glimpsed/learned what life is really about. It is about the journey, not just the destination.

I know, I know you are probably thinking that I am a slow learner because Ty is 14 1/2 YEARS old. I would have to agree with you.

I am just glad that Tyler is patient enough to wait for me to catch up to him. All this time, I thought we were teaching him; when we've really had the most to learn. I am glad Ty is on my IEP team, he's an excellent teacher.

1 comment:

Adria said...

This is so insightful.