Before school this morning I had an IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting for a young lady who is struggling in all of her classes. D is a sweet child with a difficult past. It was awesome to see the teachers come out to support her. However, it was beyond discouraging to sit back and watch D's grandparents (her guardians) rip her apart. As a team, we tried to be positive. Each time something encouraging was suggested or stated by a staff member, D's grandparents would tear it apart. They are convinced that D does nothing in class - I had to tell them that I actually see her with my own eyes - and she works. I repeatedly asked D's grandparents to allow me to finish my sentences...they interrupted me on several occasions. The negative words that came flying from their lips was unlike anything else I've ever experienced. They were harsh towards her, her failed mother, her failed teachers, and her overall failures in life.
Never before have I had to leave a meeting out of fear - fear that I was either going to reach across the table and slap these people, or fear that I might say something inappropriate. My cue to leave this meeting came as soon as D's grandmother made a statement about the future..."If D doesn't get her act together, she's going to fail in life and have to work alongside those retard people."
Are you kidding me?
To these people I say, "Ha. You might be having a difficult time loving your child, but I am here to help fill that void. When you tell her that she's not good enough, I will tell her that I am proud of what she has accomplished. When you insist that she is never going to amount to much in life, I will remind her that she is beautiful and life is full of endless possibles. Each night as my head hits the pillow, I will pray for this young lady and her rough home life. I will even seek out the prayers of those around me. D has the ability to go places in life - to be someone who others admire, respect and look up to. I will do whatever it takes to help her realize this...and remind her that not everyone in this life is against her. Ha."
P.S. Did I mention that D was present at this meeting? Yeah, how sad! Oh, and every teacher who walked out of that room today cried on behalf of this child.
7 comments:
I praise God for putting you in D's life and for His love which flows through you. You are a blessing to your fellow staff, students, and their parents/guardians... whether they realize it or not.
That story made my heart break too. How wonderful that God's plan was for her to be in your class so that you could make a positive impact on her life. I admire you for what you do Anne.
that breaks my heart too. I just can't believe people are like this
We will pray for her too.
Stacy K
wow- that is sooo awful. I wouldn't have had the presence of mind to keep my mouth shut.
Thank God you are in her life- your love for her will probably be a saving grace the likes of which you may never know!
oh wow. that is one of the saddest things! I am so glad that you are in her life...that was definatly our Lord's doing! I hope that he will bless you with great ideas of how to convey to this child and all the others in your classes how wonderful they are!
I will pray too!
This breaks my heart too! I will pray for D tonight, bless her heart and yours for all of the work that you do! What an amazing ministry the Lord has given you :)
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