I was a sucker for that, so she got the obstacle course, but I did replace her favorite trampoline with a smaller springboard.
“You’ll try for the trampoline next time?”
She nodded and signedsorryagain, then pointed to my chest. I followed her gaze, looking for the first time, and the red streaks across my skin started to sting even more now that I saw them.
Damn, that hurt. I smiled and said I was okay. We finished the session, then I went to the nurse to wash and report it.
Luckily, the rest of my day passed without incident, and within minutes of getting home, I was in Dylan’s SAFD shirt and a pair of shorts, snuggled under a blanket on the couch drinking a cup of tea. I held my phone, my finger wavering between the Kindle and the phone icons.
I clicked on the texts instead. I’d tried calling Dylan from the car, but he didn’t answer. I was mid-text, trying to decide whatto write, when it vibrated in my hand. My stomach fluttered at seeing Dylan’s name on the screen.
“Hi!”
“Hey, Juls, how are you?”
“I’m good now, just relaxing. You?”
“Are you okay?” The sudden worry in his voice warmed me as much as the tea had.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Just a long day.”
“Tell me about it.”
I started with the easier part. “One of my students had a tough session. She’s usually really good in OT, but she got upset and scratched me.”
“Where? Did you wash it well?”
“I’m fine. It wasn’t bad, I just hate that she got so upset.”
“Juls, did you wash it?”
“It’s on my chest. Yes, I went to the nurse and washed it well and put antibacterial cream on when I got home.”
“I hate that your job is dangerous.”
“Myjob is dangerous? You’re the one who runs into fires! The one who helps at car accidents with cars speeding by you!”
“Yes, but I have safety gear. I go into those situations prepared and with my team to back me up. I’ll be okay. The kids you work with are unpredictable.”
“No, that’s not fair to say. They don’t want to be aggressive. They just get overwhelmed or frustrated or some other emotion they can’t handle. It’s my job to help with that. If I can help them learn new skills, life will be less frustrating. If I can teach them a new sensory strategy, they won’t be overstimulated as often. Like today, I was able to help her settle down and finish out our session calmly. If that helps her cope with frustration better next time, it was worth it.”
“Juls, you’re amazing. What you do is life-changing for the kids you work with. You’re a miracle worker.”
My heart caught at his words and the pride I heard in his voice.
“Okay, now you’re taking it too far,” I denied.
“It’s true. Tell me what happened today. Let’s hear the magic you worked for your student.”
“Fine,” I huffed, trying not to let him hear how much his praise affected me. “We were working on an office practice task because Lia would be great at that kind of work. Her OCD tendencies and need to finish what she starts could be great traits if she develops better coping skills,” I started, and then I told him about our session.
“What did you say to get her to settle down?”
“Nothing. The last thing she needed was to be given a correction or directions. I just quietly modeled what she should do.”
“Amazing. I hope you realize that not everyone can understand that or be so calm and in control like you were. They’re lucky to have you, Juls.”
I sighed, dreading telling Dylan the rest. “Apparently you’re not the only one who thinks I’m good at my job.”