First, a passing mention as to - OMG has it been that long since I had something to say on here?! But I won't attempt to identify the cause - it doesn't matter.
Today I had a bit of an epiphany, and it has lifted my spirits in the midst of the latest seemingly unending onslaught of precipitation in central Ohio.
Erica is in second grade, and it has taken me three years - since the dreaded transition from preschool to kindergarten began - to arrive at this realization. As I was staring at the overwhelming task of getting her safely into a full inclusion setting for kindergarten, I kept thinking how I would need a combination of luck, charm and sheer will to accomplish it. After the transition was made, and we were enjoying a wonderful year in kindergarten, I thanked my lucky stars for the outstanding principal, the supportive special ed. director, and the wise and experienced classroom teacher. Mid-year of kindergarten she got a new one-to-one aide and suddenly life got even rosier. Kids were more accepting of her and were interacting a lot more, she made great strides verbally and socially, which have continued to the present. Then I decided it was this new aide who was the key to our success. She followed E. to first grade, and again I thanked God for putting all the right people into our school life. A wonderful first grade teacher - now I could actually see how her strengths were in some ways preferable to those of the kdg. teacher. Then, bad news: the principal - a key component to the awesome team - was moving on. Sorrow. Dread. What will happen now? Well, the new principal... just as nice as the old one (the former one - she isn't old!) Not as proactive, perhaps, but I have no complaints. We survived the transition - again. Second grade teacher - amazing. Completely devoted to fostering inclusion and independence for Erica and all the kids in her class. How do I keep getting so lucky? Hmmm. Aide has back problems. Erica now weighs over 50 lbs. (a major victory for a micro preemie who never registered on the weight chart until the age of 8). Aide might be forced to look for another job if her health cannot take the transfers etc. Gloom. Despair. But then again...
Things have somehow miraculously seemed to work out thus far. Is it really divine intervention or just dumb luck? Perhaps a little bit of both, really. But what are the constants in this equation? They are: my amazing, beautiful, smart, funny, strong and wonderful KID, and... me. I am her best advocate. I am maintaining communication with all parties involved. I am reinforcing what intervention and therapy are doing. I am reading articles on reading methodology for children with neurological impairment, I am driving her to vision therapy, I am attending conferences on assistive communication. I can do this, and I will - no matter who the teacher is, no matter who the principal is, no matter who the aide is. And we will make it work. I do continue to thank God for all the wonderful people who have made school awesome for Erica thus far, but no matter what happens next - we will make it work. I know I can.
Sigh. I think I shall sleep extra well tonight.
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2 comments:
I think God has had his hand in the mix all along. He'll take care of Erica. I'm glad you're finding a little peace.
I'm inclined to agree with Cat, but I'm also very glad to see you recognize yourself as a major factor. Being an advocate for your kid is something more parents could stand to learn. Too many too often take too much for granted. Too...LOL!
Also, there's that saying, let's see, what is it? Oh yeah, the Lord helps those who help themselves. :-)
You're a great Mom. You should be proud!
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