When the parent technician entered my second grade classroom at the end of the day, I knew something was terribly wrong.  She told me the principal needed to see me and that she would cover my class.

As I entered her office, both guidance counselors along with the assistant principal were there.  The senior guidance counselor, Jan, discussed Andrew's nervous breakdown on the gym floor that occurred that morning.  As she read several pages of notes she had written, I glanced over at the Susan, the other guidance counselor.  Susan was looking down at the floor.  I knew immediately, that she did not agree with Jan's statements.  

Jan had described Andrew as being psychotic.  She wanted him brought up for screening and placed into a special educational program for the emotionally-disturbed. 

Eventually, I would discover that Jan was interested in boosting her career.  She wanted to become an assistant principal and would do "whatever" she was asked by the building principal to accomplish that feat.

For those who have never worked in a public school setting, one would be "shocked" at the dirty games certain professionals play.  Obviously, there was something wrong with Andrew, and the building principal did not want to be held accountable for not placing him in some kind of special educational program, even if it was not an appropriate fit.  So, when Andrew had his temper tantrum in the gym, that gave her the perfect opportunity to have Jan elaborate the documentation.

After all, I was not told until the end of the day.  I knew that was wrong!  I should have been told immediately.

But, I just sat there...speechless.  My heart was breaking.

When Jan suggested completing a referral to the child study team for Andrew being considered for placement into a special educational program for the emotionally-disturbed, I found my voice.

I would take Andrew to see a psychiatrist.

When Andrew and I arrived home, I asked him why he wanted to kill himself.  He looked at me and said, "I don't want to kill myself.  I just said that because I did not want to be in the gym, because everyone was laughing at me."

I was stunned how clearly Andrew spoke.  He had rationalized a way to get out of the gym.  He thought it would be on a permanent basis, but it was not.  However, the gym teacher allowed him to sit out whenever he did not feel comfortable in participating.

I followed through and took Andrew to see a psychiatrist.  This individual decided Andrew was borderline mentally-challenged.  Supposedly, Andrew's IQ was around 80.  I was livid upon hearing these results!  After arguing with the psychiatrist,  I heard a soft voice whisper, "neurologist."

Some may say it was my inner voice.  Others may say it was God.  After having two near-death experiences in my life, I knew it was God.  

(That's the real reason for this blog.  If I can help one person by sharing my story, then it's worth it!) 

 I took Andrew to see a neurologist.