In the 20-plus years, I have been working with special education students, I never met anyone quite like Fernando V.
When I met him, I was introduced not to a quadriplegic eight year old. Instead I met a breath of fresh air. 'What a personality,' I thought. 'We're going to have fun.' And we have. Lots of it. He said he wanted to paint. I know I must have laughed out loud at that point, but painting it is. He will paint for hours on end, enjoying the magic of color.
Fernando has become a dear friend. His lovely personality is so infectious. A person always leaves him feeling "up" and a little happier. Happier about themselves. But what Fernando gives in return is tenfold.
Fernando to me is an angel straight from heaven. He is an edification of love. Every time I leave him I take his love with me. I feel so blessed knowing him...he's my inspiration, he's my teacher and what a wonder blessing knowing him has been.
Submitted by Anonymous
We've all had people in our lives who have made a positive impact on us. A parent or grandparent, a sibling who was there for us, or maybe even just a guy who shines shoes for a living? Whoever they are, tell us their story so they can inspire us even more.
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