Date: Sat, 15 Feb 1997 16:23:02 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Random Thought: A Short Story
A quick story about an experience I had a few years ago that I had forgotten until last week and then shared on a discussion list. I thought you might be interested in reading it. I don't why I let it slip from my mind and heart. The experience had taught me a great deal. Remembering it yesterday was a great reminder. I'll let you decide why I won't forget it again.

I had a wheel-bound student in my class. The first day she "rolled" merrily in as I was handing out Tootsie Pops. I gave her one.
She said to me, "thanks--on both accounts."
I replied, "Both accounts?"
"For the Tootsie Pop and the respect?"
I guess she saw the question mark in my face and continued, "Because you cared enough not to look down on me, I'll always look up to you."
My face still was wracked with a question mark. She nodded towards the floor. I looked around. Then, I understood. When I gave her the Tootsie Pop, I had dropped to my knees without thinking so I could look her straight in the face. I told her that I had not done it consciously.
"All the more reason," she replied with smile and rolled off to meet other students in the class.