I recently turned 50 yrs old but don't feel that old. I usually don't feel my chronological age. Sometimes, I'm randomly reminded that I am not a Spring chicken anymore. That happened earlier today, at the grocery store. A masked woman approached me in store & her eyes were bright & happy. She asked me if I was Miss Banh & if I used to work at McTavish Elementary School in the late 90s. I replied, 'Yes, I worked as a specialized TA with disabled kids at McTavish in the 90s.' She was elated & said - 'I was one of your autistic students! I remember you well & missed you when you stopped working there. I want to tell you that your help, support & staying after school hours to help me with my lessons more, made a big difference to my life & my self esteem. I never forgot you. I'm so glad to see you again. Can we please exchange contact info so we can meet up sometime & chat more?
We exchanged contact info. I'm looking forward to catching up with her this Spring 💗

This woman was only 8 years old when she met me at her school. I feel honoured that she remembered me & grateful for the unexpected reunion in a grocery store, decades later.

#TeachersAssistant #EducationalAssistant #SpecialNeedsStudents #ActuallyAutistic #GenX