Good And Bad

When I was teaching my autistic students with, what I thought, was enthusiasm and verve the parents of the students I taught would oftentimes observe. And though it's been many years since I retired since I left that life behind two parents in particular…stick out in my mind. One parent thought I could do no wrong…she thought I was a saint The other thought everything I did was wrong…a saint, she thought…he ain't! I'ill admit when it came to the first parent my ego needed to practice little restraint… I mean I was doing the best I could but please…really….me…a saint! And when it came to the second parent my ego needed a little boost.. Again…I was doing the best I could but was I as bad as she deduced? When my clearer head prevailed after their praise and criticism were dispersed… I know I wasn't the best teacher in the world…nor was I the worst. I did do some things well and so I felt some of the first parent's praise I earned while the second parent reminded me…I still had a lot to learn. These parents taught me how praise could put me on cloud nine while criticism could cut me like a knife… in my jobs my friendships my marriage in my parenting…my life It was probably one of the greatest lessons that I have ever had… Teaching me to improve on any good I do while learning from the bad. Even now, when that first parent's doubt enter my mind… when I find my confidence is faint… I smile remembering there's at least one person out there who thinks I am a saint.