My neighbor Sandra Brooks asked me if I could substitute for her class. This was years ago when we still lived next door to each other on Summerhill Drive.

I admit I was not one who had been called to be a teacher, but I had gone ahead and signed on to be a substitute so I could earn a few extra dollars.

I showed up at the school ready to take the reigns of her special needs classroom, and after two days of working with the children, I retired.

I have always thought teachers are a superior breed, and out of those who choose to work with children with disabilities, I think their hearts must be made of solid gold.

This week, I had the opportunity to return to a classroom, but it was for pictures and an interview.

I was doing a story about Warren Central High School’s Special Prom and was there to talk to Coach Lucy Young, one of the initiators of the event, and some of the kids involved.

I have always been impressed when I walk into a classroom and see children behaving and working diligently.

I do not know what kind of magic it is that teachers use to hold the attention of more than one child at a time, but I sure could use some of it as a mother of four.

Coach Young introduced me to the students, and then I began asking different children about Special Prom.

The kids were shy at first, but they warmed up after Coach Young encouraged them to tell me what they liked about the event.

One of the girls described her dress to me, and several talked about the tasty food served.

One of the guys I talked to pulled out his cell phone to show me a picture of himself in the suit he would be wearing for the special day.

He was so proud.

Afterwards, Couch Young told me the young man lived at the homeless shelter. He had no parents that were around to take care of him, so those at the shelter had stepped in and were even making sure he looked good for the big event.

Whoa! What absolutely unbelievable unconditional love.

It sure felt good to hear this after everything that has been going on with Mississippi House Bill 1523.

I have been so disheartened that our state leaders would have passed a bill targeting someone just because they were “different,” and it was nice to be surrounded by individuals who wrapped their arms around differences.

I have never been to Special Prom, but Coach Young handed me an invitation before I left.

It is scheduled for next Friday at the school, and I plan to be there and revel in celebrating diversities.