Beyond the Call

A few weeks ago, Joemar started attending a Saturday P.E. class that the physical education instructor, Teacher Al, from our own school started having for children and young adults with special needs. Joemar was so excited. Several times a day we heard how he had played volleyball the previous Saturday or he was going to play volleyball the following Saturday. Since then it has progressed into other sports and Maria, from our teen home, has also gotten involved.

Yesterday, I stopped by the local college where they were learning how to play basketball. I couldn't take the smile off of my face as I watched Teacher Al and some assistants very patiently teaching the participants the various basketball skills. They were just all having a great time and Joemar was proud to show off his skills and the new friend he has made in the class. The ante was upped a bit when I got my camera out to take a few pictures.

Maria, who was decidedly tired and had called it a day, became decidedly untired and determined to go back out on the court to take a few more shots. And Joemar became a little more animated and very light on his feet!We appreciate the effort that Teacher Al puts into his classes with all of our kids. Trained and experienced P.E. teachers are very difficult to come by and this is the first time in the 11 years of our school that we have had such a teacher. Al is very patient to teach all of the skills the kids need for the different sports they play and he is very methodical about getting them warmed up and cooled down after. But the truest side of Teacher Al comes out when he is with our kids with special needs. He wants everyone to have a chance to play sports and be phyically fit. And he wants everyone to have a fun time doing it!