When my son was in first grade, his teacher said he’d fail in school because his handwriting was bad.

Third grade: they said he had ADHD because he wouldn’t sit still in class.

Sixth grade: he was the kid who got blamed for everything. Didn’t matter if he did it; it was always his fault.

Eighth grade: got A on paper. Teacher ripped it up in front of class. Said he cheated. Suspensions. Detentions.

High school: they told me he’d be flipping burgers for the rest of his life.

But one teacher believed in him, when he didn’t believe in himself.

Went to two-year college, did graduate-level work.

University degree in two years.

Worked with autistic children for four years.

Got master’s in special ed. Married his high school sweetheart.

Licensed autism teacher for six years.

The teacher who believed in him is now his colleague.

Teachers make a difference.

I love this young man so much.