Falling from High Places

Mitchell's Journey Facebook Page

The other day some of my friends from my previous work, Butterfield Canyon Elementary notified me of some sad news.  Last year before leaving for Arizona, I had the privilege of having two boys with muscular dystrophy in my classroom.  They were adorable and amazing all-stars!  Although I was their teacher, I felt they taught me so much more with their humility and determination.

I wrote about them in a post after the first week of school. . .

As a teacher there is a hidden rule that you are not supposed to have any favorites. However, sometimes it is hard not to break the rule. I cannot say I have one particular favorite, but favorites for different reasons. Most of my "favorites" become such because of the unique relationships we share.

This year my class includes 2 students with "Muscular Dystrophy, md." This is a disease that affects the muscles, weakening them with time. Eventually, they will lose the ability and control of their muscles. While their friends muscles are getting stronger as they grow up, theirs are failing. They will lose the ability to do small activities most of us take for granted like walking and sitting up. Children with Muscular Dystrophy major organs, including the heart and lungs, thin causing a premature death in their early teens.

It has only been one week of school and I feel such admiration for these 2 boys. I have been touched by their courage and strong will. Due to the weakening of their muscles, the boys can fall easily with minimal balance. I marvel at their quickness to get right back up.

Both Mitch and Carson have bright eyes, happy smiles, and quick senses of humor. Their love is magnetic.  After losing balance this week, partly because he was sitting wrong on his chair, Carson told Mitch, "I only fall from high places." Mitch then told me the little joke.  This made me laugh out loud. As the day and week went on, I continued to think of this as Carson's theme phrase.

Life is a little like this phrase as we "fall" from heaven to come to experience the magic of life. Along the road of life we experience escalating growth and challenging falls, only to be led to higher ground. Our response to each fall is most important, not necessarily how many times we fall or why fell in the first place.

As I reread this entry and capture events on his father's Facebook page, I am overwhelmed with sadness.  I know Mitch has touched my life and many others.  He will definitely be an angel for his family.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to have known and taught him.

While following his story, my mind has also been saddened thinking about his parents.  Their is such a deep love that a parent has for their children that cannot really be explained until it is felt.  I know this is the case for me.  I didn't realize how much you could love someone, until I had sweet Emily.  Each time I read the story I find myself kissing, hugging, and holding my sweet little one a bit longer.  I wish I could keep her from all the challenges she will face, but I can't.  Like Heavenly Father, parents are there to support, care, and provide for their children so they can return home grown into their Godly potential.