A Ginger Teacher in Abu Dhabi: SURPRISE!

So, way back in April I decided that I was going to make a short three day trip home in June. Let me explain the reasoning for this, when I first started teaching in the states, I, like most teachers was struggling to make ends meat and so I acquired a second job. I have my sister to thank for finding the ad on Craigslist. The ad was for a home care aide to a 12 year old boy with Autism. I immediately contacted the mother of the boy and set up and interview. When I was in college, I nannied for a 3 year old boy with Autism, so I had experience as well as a special place in my heart for children with Autism. Long story short, I was chosen to be a part of this family and can never see myself being anything other than that. It was never work for me, it was going to hang out with my little brother, go on awesome adventures, help him through tough social situations, and have family dinners with his parents and grand parents. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and they were put into my life to be an extension of my immediate family. So, when I looked on Dylan's high school's website to see when his graduation was (such a huge accomplishment), the decision was easy. There was nothing in the world that would have stopped me from flying home, surprising him, his mother and grandparents, and seeing him walk to receive his high school diploma.
I recruited the help of his dad to make sure I knew where they would be on the day I flew in as well as making sure I had tickets for myself and my family to the graduation and to be added to the reservation (without Windy knowing). I can honestly say I wouldn't have been able to pull it off without Mike's help! So, here's how it went down.....
I left the UAE on Friday morning and arrived on Friday morning in Washington (I love flying against time..). My first stop however was to surprise my very best friend in the world. I cannot put into words what Justine means to me, she's been my boulder through everything since we were 12. She has this wonderful man in her life who I'm sure literally jumped up and down at the idea of surprising her. We even exchanged fake stories so she would be thrown off in this whole thing. She also has said over and over that she can't be surprised, well we sure pulled off one hell of a surprise! She was stunned and then started crying as did I. To hug your best friend is one of the best feelings in the world! AND, to meet the man that is making your best friend so happy, was even better. I seriously felt like I had known him for years, he's definitely a keeper! After having lunch with them and my friend Callie and her beautiful new baby boy, Heather drove me to Gig Harbor to pull off the big surprise.
Dylan was at a local park having a picnic for CIP (community inclusion program) and everyone was there, his parents and grandparents. Well, I walked up and couldn't find any of the people I was looking for! I was stopped by a family friend of theirs who pointed out that Windy was pretty much right in front of me and Dylan was in the woods with his dad. I surprised the heck out of Windy and was able to give her the biggest hug. Dylan must have spotted me hugging his mom and immediately started to run across the field as did I. He gave me the biggest hug and high five I've ever received from him, and he's pretty spectacular at both of those things. After he let go of me I told him I was here for his graduation to which I received an even bigger hug from him! That was probably one of the best moments of my life! Later that evening I surprised his grandparents who were also floored to see me. I then was able to finally go to my parents house, hug my parents who I've missed terribly as well as see my Moe. He was so excited to see me he was jumping and girl barking. I miss him so much!
The next two days were filled with brunch with my Visitation/Teacher Family and Dylan's graduation! I am so damn proud of this kid, he walked out like he owned the day and received his diploma with the biggest smile on his face! He was escorted by his aide's son who was also graduating. Dylan is so lucky to go to a school where he is supported not only by his teachers, but by his peers. I know that just knowing that set his parent's at ease when he started school.
It felt like I wasn't really at home, but when my parents dropped me off at the airport, seeing the look on my Moe's face broke my heart. I can't wait to come back for good next summer. I can honestly say I didn't want to get on that plane, but I'm no quitter!
Coming back to school, my students that showed up to school sure did miss me. I actually missed them as well. And graduation is finally set in stone (haha) for Monday. I can honestly say that as ridiculous as this school year has been, I am going to miss my students. They really have come so far and I really wish them the best. Here are some pictures to enjoy......