Out of the blue, I had this strange picture in my head. I was standing at the corner of a traffic light with a sign that said:
WILL WORK FOR THERAPY
It got me thinking about what is important to me and what lengths I take to protect that which is so priceless. In the past, I admit I have offered to "pimp" myself out at my son's school or therapy sessions. It is the one way that I can convey the necessity of investing in my son. I will do what I can to help teachers, paraprofessionals, or therapists. If mailings need to be sent, letters typed, copies or phone calls made, laminating etc., I will gladly provide these services to keep the focus, and an extended effort, on my son.
The sign initially was comical to me. Any parent with a child on the spectrum understands the financial drain it can take for additional therapy, alternative therapy, behaviorists, nutritionists, etc. Until recently (I live in CT), many insurances have ignored our pleas for plan inclusion. It left much of the financial burden on us as parents. It still does. The very fact that "therapy" came to my mind first is significant.
On the other hand, many of you might say that you would just pay for the therapy. Yes, of course, I would do that too. That really isn't the point. It has to do with motivations that money can't buy or the supply is inadequate. What does each individual hold so dear, that they are willing to be humbled enough to stand out on the road with a sign asking for that very item? The answer is limitless and very personal.
So, I pose the question to you (& would love to read them in my comments)
Will Work For (fill in the blank)....
Other possibilities:
Will Work For Love
Will Work For Peace
Will Work For Medicine (for my child)
Will Work For Trust
Personal Note: My son wrote the words on the sign. Given all of his fine motor difficulties, it is the most beautiful script I have ever seen. That my friends is what we all share....an immense appreciation for the most fundamental of tasks.
What would you work for?
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Comments (78)
Will work for COLA and step increase...oh wait we're not getting that this year bc the economy isn't good so clearly teachers don't need raises/cost of living....
Will work for:outsiders of my life to stop making judgements about me and autism based on what they saw on tv or their desire to make me their show pony and it wouldn't hurt if they would stop righting me off as unteachable or one without feelings just because I don't express myself as they would like, or should I say expect. (all of this would be on my child's sign).
@MamaOfAutism - so true, so true.
My sign has always been will work for cash, though barter systems have become popular in some areas, and when I owned my own business I participated in trading of goods and services with other small businesses. The idea of working in exchange for a specific service and barter within a community has always struck me as being community oriented and wise; especially when the value of money itself is "fluid" at best.
will work for peace and quite
@MamaOfAutism - We're going to have to buy you a really big sign - but it would be worth every penny.
umm, money? haha. i'm broke.
oh, or a nice hug :D
will work for a wedding.
I'm getting married soon, and we don't have funds for any more than a civil union at the courthouse... I'd give almost anything so that we can have one to remember...
Will work so that I don't have to sell drugs to your kids to feed mine.
Will work for a first honours masters degree!!
that sign is beautiful
i love the E
Aw. that sign touches me in some way.
Will work for everyone to be happy and see the beauty in the small things in life.
will work for my heart in one place
will work for money :)
@dr52383@xanga - No lie! My district is in the same boat. Will work for: health benefits, COLA, class size reduction, fair treatment of ELL services...
Will Work For Love, like you.
Love the picture.
Hm. If I could work for anything.. it would be making sure no one ever had to endure solitude ever again.Â
So I guess that would be..
Will work for: Being able to stand by someone's side, whenever they need it.Â
Will work for a place in this world.
I would work for therapy, too ;)
...probably love as well ha.
And I think your son did a mighty fine job on the sign! :)
Will work for epic hugs.
People don't hug enough. I want to be hugged like you mean it. to feel loved for that moment
Mine would read will work for understanding & acceptance
will work for God.....oh wait, my sign already says that....
Will work for happiness, friends, a thin body, and fun times!