The other day I took my wife to an orthotic and prosthesis place to get her insoles adjusted. We had to wait quite awhile for the the glue to dry. There were all kinds of devices in the shop. There were many leg and knee braces. There was the odd leg or foot that was used as a template to make various devices. While I was looking at these devices I thought of a student that I had.
I was working after class with a few kids. All of a sudden somebody said, "Mr. Kline, there's and arm on the floor." Sure enough an arm was under one of the desks. We all went down to the desk to inspect the arm. I thought it was likely something from the drama dept. We picked up the arm to examine it. At that time Daryl came in the room with a sheepish grin on his face and said, "I forgot that." while pointing to the arm. Daryl left right away. I had a feeling as if I had been someplace I wasn't supposed to be for looking at a kid's arm.
This happened about the third week in Sept. I had not noticed that a student was missing an arm or using a prosthesis. So much for my keen observations.
For the next three years you would see Daryl coming down the hallway with his binder and his arm. sometimes Daryl left his arm in the locker. Most of the time he just carried it. I could understand why Daryl carried his arm. It was extremely heavy. For an 11 or 12 year old it was just too uncomfortable. Daryl was born missing the part if his right arm below the elbow. There was a 3 or 4 inch stub past the elbow. The stub would move on the elbow like a regular lower arm. Daryl did not show any discomfort with his missing arm. In fact, he was a very pleasant student and was well liked by his classmates.
After middle school I did not see Daryl again. I did meet some of his distant relatives and they told me that Daryl was married and had two children. It was nice to hear that Daryl had for all intents and purposes lived a normal life.
I wish that digital cameras were around in those days as I would have had more pictures from my school days. I probably would have had a picture of Daryl.
most of the physically challenged people I've known were just like everyone else! lovely story...enjoyed reading it!
ReplyDeleteDaryl's parents didn't baby him or give him any special treatment.
DeleteWhat a strange post title this was! I wondered what it would be about, but it was quite accurate after all! I too wish that digital camera had been around earlier, I would have so many more pictures of the early days!
ReplyDeleteI wish computers had come in more than 40 years ago. Then the work I did by hand could have been kept . I can keyboard with computers because you can correct errors. Old typewriters weren't so easy. In fact , I didn't use them.
DeleteThat's a very nice story. I hope science advances to an extent where you can get light weighted prosthesis. Cheers, Ruby
ReplyDeleteRuby , arms have gone a long way . You can get an electronic arm which allows hand and finger movement. This kid had a basic arm because he would outgrow the arm.
ReplyDeleteGreat story. I find that I learn a lot from the children I teach. So nice to hear he's doing well. Hope all's well with your wife also.
ReplyDeleteEach student is a whole book! Thanks for thinking about my wife.
ReplyDeleteInteresting story. I'm just reading your comment response to Debbie. I have no doubt that this is very true. You might have a series there.
ReplyDeleteIndeed there are many stories. However I hesitate to write about people without consent. This one I thought was worthwhile telling.
DeleteWhat a great story! You must have many amazing memories from your teaching days. :)
ReplyDeleteYou're right there are many good stories. What's really cool is when you meet these students as adults and you get what was really behind some of the shenanigans.
ReplyDeleteI have so many memories of students, too!
ReplyDeleteSome fond, some not! You try to forget the bad ones!
Heard about your snow!
We're headed for rain this weekend. Sigh. I loathe the in between stuff!
Cheers from Cottage Country!
Yes, students give you cool memories. I taught in the same school for 28 years. I live in the district. It's amazing how many former students and parents I come in contact with.
DeleteI enjoyed the school since it was large enough so that I completely changed assignments a couple of times.
It is good to hear that the boy had a normal growing up...that can be attributed to his family, his teachers and others that helped him understand he is no different than anyone else!
ReplyDeleteGood for him and for you!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
Daryl was not given any special treatment. He made his way in life with his own quiet personality. I would have to say that he was fr better adjusted than most kids who were not challenged physically. He would through a basketball!
ReplyDeleteGreat story from your teaching days, thanks for sharing it! :)
ReplyDelete