Each One Is a Miracle, This I Believe…

My mom laughed, “You know that sick feeling you have?…Yeah, that will never go away. You’ll worry about big things and small things. You’ll worry about things you can control and even more about the things you can’t…” she matter of factly declared. I stared at her, horrified, and immediately the panic set in. Why hadn’t she thought to warn me about this before? I actually asked that question aloud and she said, “You couldn’t have possibly understood these feelings- even if I tried to prepare you.” She continued her brief soliloquy. Her words of wisdom were coated in a love, warmth and comfort that was absolutely palpable. “But… there are moments of pure joy that come with being a mother that will make all the worry seem small. I can’t explain to you how that is. It is all part of the journey and will be your experience.” On February 15th, 2005, I met Liam Patrick Fedigan- to date, in the history of the World, the most miraculous human to grace the planet- all five pounds and nineteen inches of him.

Prior to Liam’s arrival, I knew that what I did daily as an educator of young children mattered. I cared for my students. I hoped for them to be academically successful and to be inspired learners. I was lucky to influence these young minds and was committed to work tirelessly to motivate each one to achieve to his fullest potential. I had read about differentiated instruction and I knew as a master’s degree student of special education that all children must have access to rigorous educational opportunity. It was my responsibility to support each one while recognizing individual strengths and opportunities for growth. What I couldn’t fully appreciate was all that is implied by the word “special”- even after all of my schooling and (at the time limited) career, and life experience. It is cliché to recognize that everyone is special, but this notion is something that really can’t be qualified in a brief essay.

When I met Liam, my perspective changed. While I thought I knew the sphere of my influence as an educator and the magnitude of the teacher and student relationship- I did not. I knew now, in every fiber of my being, that each child is someone’s little miracle- like a finger print undeniably unique, intricate, complicated and beautiful. When considered in full form, each one is a part of something much larger- a whole hand attached to a body, mind and soul, full of unlimited possibilities belonging to loved ones holding onto the hope and promise of their unidentified futures. I now knew the gift of being an educator. There is an expression, “the days are long, and the years short.” So, I aim each day to bring my best and to inspire my colleagues to bring their best to each student- every moment of each day. For each one is a miracle and is deserving of at least that- this I believe.