You are looking at pictures of Dawson with his teacher Mrs. Nyemade Baker-Marsh (on the left) and her parapro Ms. Turner (on the right). These two amazing teachers have been with Dawson for the past two years, and it is hard to believe that Dawson’s time with them has come to an end. There are many teachers in the world who teach for a job, but there are a few teachers who teach because it is their life. These two wonderful ladies live and breathe teaching special needs children. Dawson has loved school for the past two years. He puts on his backpack and walks to the car with a smile each morning. When Dawson looks at Mrs. Nyemade and Ms. Turner he smiles, hugs them, and plants a kiss on their cheek. For a child who is non-verbal, that is Dawson’s way of telling them ”I love you.” As parents we struggle with how to say thank you to two teachers who have potty trained our child, taught him to eat, put on his book bag, sit in circle time for 45 minutes and love it, teach him to match, to sort, to drink out of a cup, to walk in a straight 
line down the hallway, to follow the classroom routine, to follow directions, to listen, to obey, to point to the month and day at calendar time, to trace numbers and letters, to independently write a “D” and an “A” for Dawson, to color in the lines, to cut, to glue, to do puzzles, to love school, to become a better functioning child with autism, and probably a million other things that we 
have left out.
Thank you just does not seem adequate enough. However, Mrs. Nyemade and Ms. Turner, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for all you have done. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for loving Dawson through good days and bad, and for being the best teachers that a child or parent could ever ask for. May God richly bless you each and everyday.
I am writing through my tears, That is very touching and very sweet. Thank you all for allowing me to be apart of Dawson and your family life. May God continue to bless you all.
Love always.
Ms. Turner
By: Yulander Turner on May 18, 2009
at 8:55 pm
It’s 12:36 am the night before the last day of school, and I should be asleep because I’m supposed to be up at 5:30 am. For some reason, it seems as if I cannot fall asleep. I am not sure why I am not tired, but as I sit up reading your blog for the 4th time, it occurs to me that I am having “Dawson withdrawals”. Dawson is as much a part of my life as I am of his. He has been my purpose, my objective, my goal, quest, and my very sweet little student and friend. Dawson will be forever edged in my memory, and my prayers will always include all of you! Please know that you have successfully shown me your gratitude. Thanks for your very public expression of gratitude, I am overwhelmed with appreciation. Please know that Dawson thanks me every day, as he makes me so VERY proud. Please know that Dawson has earned his wings and he is ready. So…. we pray, we hold on tight and we watch him take flight. We will watch him soar, for his foundation is strong. If you need me, I’ll be only a phone call away! Thanks for trusting me with Dawson, and thanks for all your love, positive feedback and support.
Love
Mrs. Nyemade’
By: Nyemade Baker-marsh on May 20, 2009
at 1:09 am
Jody,
I read this blog about your son and his two amazing teachers and I too am in tears. My tears are joyous just knowing that there are educators out there who as you say have made teaching their life and who have made such a great impact on a sweet child.
I work in a community college and I often get frustrated and sad to see so many students come through my door who lack basic skills. Reading this blog made me wonder if some of these student’s lives would be richer if they had two devoted teachers like Mrs. Nyemade and Ms. Turner and even more wonderful parents like you and Ruth. I now have hope that I can continue to be patient and a guide to so many who are lost to help them accomplish their goal of a college degree!
Thanks for sharing.
Tonya
By: Tonya Brown on July 2, 2009
at 4:12 pm
Bless Mrs. Nyemade’ and Mrs. Turner for coming to our rescue once again yesterday. It is not easy being a parent and parenting a child with autism compounds the responsibility. As grandparents we can mainly listen and pray. You are such an awesome answer to that prayer. May the Lord richly bless you for giving your lives for our children and grandchildren.
Lovingly,
Mary Lynn LaMee
By: Mary Lynn LaMee on July 21, 2009
at 3:02 pm
I am trying to find contact info for Ms. Baker-Marsh. She helped my son survive pre-K and Kindergarten and I wanted to send her a picture and thank her. He is autistic, still in a main-stream classroom, and now assistant to the Assistant Coach of the basketball team.
NYEMADE is awesome!
Dan Allcott
By: Dan Allcott on November 17, 2009
at 3:52 pm