Four teeth lighter...

...and still overweight.

In the meantime, I've discovered a newfound love for chicken broth and tapioca pudding. It goes down smooth on a sore, swollen mouth, helping to keep the calories on and the blood sugar levels up.

Which is a good thing...I think.

Clinical practicum started two weeks ago. I'm already administering therapy with kids at the public school and loving every minute of it. I have an awful lot to learn, though. It's kinda scary going out in the real world and applying all this wealth of information. It's required a great deal of brushing up on topics hidden back on a dusty shelf in my brain, topics that haven't been pulled out since sophomore year.

I have come across precious little ones who just make me burst into tears with their gorgeous little smiles and sweet dispositions, who if aren't helped soon will find themselves pushed back and lost in the cracks of the school system.

They'll be slapped with a diagnosis of hopelessness when there is so much brilliance in their minds.

Language is so very crucial to our success in life. You can know everything under the sun, but without the ability to express what's in that skull, you will get nowhere.

The pressure of knowing these kids' futures may rest heavily on the dedication of the therapists working with them now is very scary. One of my supervisors told me last week that I have to learn not to take my kids home with me. I have to learn to leave work at work.

It is so very hard, though.

I care about these kids. I care about their futures.

I want to know who they are. I want them to be able to share their sweet little minds with the world.

I pray that I can be a help to them.

I'm inadequate in my own ability, but God sent me on this path 5 years ago. He has supplied me the knowledge I thus possess and continues to teach me every day. He continues to bring people in my life who show me the true meaning of friendship--full of kindness and equipped with caring hearts. People who show me Love. Even when I don't deserve it.

These kids are trapped behind their language deficits. They need someone who believes in them, who loves them, who wants to help them succeed.

I just hope I don't worry myself sick in the process, thus rendering myself useless.

I've already worn out my poor little head today! My jaw is so sore. Oh, no wonder--I was supposed to take my pain meds an hour ago.

hmmm....