Salem Pond

Today, we went on a field trip to Salem Pond.  This is probably my favorite field trip of the year.  Tons of life skills units all over Utah County come together for fishing, some food, and lots of fun.  This is my third year at Salem Pond and it was the first year that the weather was perfect (it is typically freezing and rainy).

The best part of this field trip is that you get to run into students/coworkers from your past.  Everyone has their eyes peeled - looking for that someone they used to know.  I am no exception.  I ran into lots of my students from last year, some friends from my program, and students that I worked with 4 years ago as an aide!  They have gotten so big.  Most of all, I wanted to see people from first year of teaching.  I got to see one of my aides, Sandy, and we talked for a few minutes.  I was so lucky to work with such wonderful people my first year.  I got to visit with my only girl from my first year.  She is still as beautiful as ever.  Her mom and grandma were there too.  I couldn't believe that they remembered me.

There was one person that I just had to see.  And he was the first one I found.  I have talked about him several times before.  My Alex.  He changed my life and if ever there was a day that I needed to see him, it was yesterday.  I told Cami and Kelsey, both who are familiar with Alex and how much he means to me, to keep a look out for him.  Within 10 minutes of being at Salem Pond, Cami said, "Tati!  Alex.  He is right there!"  I ran to him and hugged him before he had a chance to see it was me.  When I started talking to him, I could feel that familiar hug get tighter and tighter.  He didn't want to let go and maybe that brought a few tears to my eyes.  I love this boy.