Page 93 of In a Word, Yes

I am kind.

I’ve noticed, however, that adjectives likeniceandkindare often reserved for children who are by nature quiet and compliant. Does Chase’s teacher have eyes to see that a child can be both kindandbehind the curve in self-management?

Mrs. De Los Santos wears a bright green polka-dot dress and a smile that radiates welcome.

Still, shaking her hand, I’m on my guard.

“Mrs. Montgomery,” she says.

“Call me Lucy, please.”

“Lucy.” She encloses my hand in both of hers—they’re warm—and meets my eyes. “I havereallybeen looking forward to meeting you. You’re welcome to grab that folder off Chase’s desk. You’llfind some wonderful samples of his work. And something special he made for you.”

On top of the folder is an envelope that says “To Mom.” I bring both items with me and take my place across from the young teacher with high cheekbones and a beautiful, kind smile.

Mrs. De Los Santos launches into what feels like a standard conversation about her educational goals for the term.

“If you don’t mind me interrupting,” I say, “how are things going with Chase?”

She smiles. “Not without a few bumps, of course. But I have to tell you, I am very impressed with Chase’s ability to advocate for himself. He’s quite aware of his strengths as well as his challenges.”

“We talk openly about both. We all have them, don’t we?”

“That is certainly true. You know, there’s something else I’d like to discuss,” she says.

Oh dear.Here it comes. I shift in my chair.

“Someone brought your name to the school’s attention, and now that I’ve spent every day with Chase for a number of weeks, I understand why.”

“Someone brought up...?”

“Do you know a parent named”—she checks her notes—“Jennifer Moncado? She seems to know you. I can’t discuss her child’s situation. Confidentiality and all. But—”

“I’m aware that Liam may have developmental delays.”

“Oh, good! Then it probably won’t come as any surprise that Jennifer recommended you to the staff as a potential resource. School administrators are aware that bullying and social stigma can be an issue for students who are, say, on the autism spectrum, or disabled, or for any reason fall under special ed. Jennifer’s input helped spur the idea to assemble a task force to strategize about how best to address those kinds of problems. I’m planning to participate, and we’d like to extend the invitation to you as well.”

“Oh.” In the time it takes me to push my glasses farther up my nose, I’ve already decided. “Well, that’s an easy yes.”

Look at you with the easy yeses.

“Chase is quite remarkable, it goes without saying.”

I smile. “Thank you for not letting it go without saying.”

***

Later, seated at my kitchen table, poised to massacre my thickly iced anniversary treat one gooey layer at a time, I tune in to the emotion welling beneath my breastbone. Looking back over this day, over the months and years before it, how did I ever question whether I was seen and treasured by the same Creator who dreamed up gold-needled tamaracks?

I lean back, luxuriating in the sweet mingling of flavors, along with a sweet awareness.

Another part of me has reawakened.

It’s still there after all. That place deep within me that yearns to reach until it hurts a little and offer to others whatever goodness I’ve been given to share.

Am I comfortable with the summons to engage in an official school forum? Not really. But I’m never asked to do hard things alone.

Where do I sign, Lord?