Job

[vaneramos]

Starting next Thursday, I have a job once a week looking after a friend's autistic 13-year-old son for 90 minutes after school. I'll call him Luke. I know the family through Two Rivers, and have spent time around Luke before. He has a pleasant disposition, likes science and science fiction, and has recently become an avid reader.

This happened because the previous social worker stopped coming to their appointments. Luke's mother will be able to get the financial assistance she receives to pay me directly rather than hiring someone through an agency.

I have no experience in this field, except from raising two active daughters of my own. Although I'm not necessarily comfortable around kids, I have grown into being patient and respectful toward them, and apparently they're comfortable around me. At least that's my interpretation of why I received this offer. Our mutual friend Laura probably orchestrated this.

Luke's mother suggested we could spend time at the public library, where we can play board games and I can help him with his homework. Luke also wants to write a book, but has trouble with fine motor skills, so he could dictate it to me.

This isn't the kind of challenge I had anticipated in easing back into employment. It won't be easy. It will stretch my creativity. I'm scared, but have nothing to lose by trying.