An awesome dad moment

My wife and I had our second parent teacher conference yesterday and when it involves a four year old you kind of expect the usual.  You know, your kids doing great, motor skills are developing nicely, your sons not real enthused with sharing, just the normal stuff. We did hear all of those things and they made us smile and feel a sense of pride, but what the teacher said next was definitely one of the coolest things someone has said to me about my son. Will goes to a early childhood development center it is almost like a high school atmosphere, but what the school does very well is integrate special needs kids in with the rest of the students. My sons teacher asked us at the end of the meeting if we we’re planning on enrolling him next year, which we are of course. She said that normally they like to let the kids switch teachers since that is the way the rest of their school career will function. Here’s the thing though she wants my son to stay with her, because next year her class will specifically be working with level 2 autistic kids. She feels that Will is such a great peer model that he will really benefit the new students. She said that when he is around the special needs kids he does not act at all like there is any difference. This doesn’t completely surprise me because in our house we don’t really identify anyone as being different in any way. My wife is amazing at this and has taught me a great deal on how to live that way. I thank her for that for sure( probably not enough). Yesterday was  just the first payoff.  I have been pretty proud of my son before but never quite as proud as I am right now. I hope there are lots more days like that.