Today has been a weight lifting experience for me. Emma and I visited a school that she will most likely be attending (with the help of an attorney, if needed). I cant tell you the joy on my little girls face when she walked into the room. There were 4 other children, all autistic playing. Emma looked up at me and said “Emma go to school now, Bye bye”. And walked off without skipping a beat. My heart sank and soared at the same moment.
I loved the teachers there, they were so very intune with her needs. There was alot of one on one (2:1 teacher student ratio) and the therapists were amazing. I could have left her there and not had a second thought of how she would have been treated. It was a great feeling.
Tomorrow we have our Social Evaluation, Vision and Hearing tests, and Pscyhodevelopmental testing. I then have to do another visit to the school I am dead set against her going to, which I am not looking forward to doing. Next Thursday is her IEP/Placement meeting which I am more than prepared for. I dont think it will be an “us/them” scenerio, but preparation is paramount. I adore my parent liason, who has been a wonderful support.
I apologize for not updating regularly, things have been crazy here. Im really okay with the diagnosis now, as weird as that seems. I dont want Emma to go through life ashamed of who she is, or how God made her. I dont want her to feel as if she is different- I want her to have a life full of love and growth. I want her to experience everything there is for her. I want her opportunities and abilities to be embraced and nurtured. I want her to be the Emma God created her to be.
Heather, you have come along way in such a short time in accepting your daughters disablities. Knowing that you are fighting for her rights and the best education for her will pay off and she truely will know that you fought for her. You are doing great. Keep pressing on and I am thrilled you found a school for sweet Emma. She will grow leaps and bounds. Keep up the progress and hold your head up high! Be proud of who your daughter is and that God has a plan for her life. She was not a mistake. He is guiding you!
Katy
What a blessing that she loved today’s school! You keep on fighting for her; know that the Lord fights for you, too!
I’m so glad to hear you found a good school! My thoughts and prayers are with you and Emma. May your meetings go well so she may get the best of the best. May you continue to be strengthened by God. He is there with you.
Sounds like the Lord is at work. Prayers continue.
Im glad she liked school, you took it well
Love the picture!!
praying that Emma gets to start her New school (the one She likes) SOON.
I Love the pic, she is Beautiful inside and out!
I’m so happy that you’ve found a great school for your precious daughter!
While my youngest brother was undergoing testing for schizophrenia, my mother sat us down and told us that the label did not define my brother, that his illnesses were merely a part of who he is. He didn’t have schizophrenia, thank God, but he does have Asperger’s Syndrome – and yet it is still just part of who is he. And he is precious.
What an encouraging update! I’m so, so glad to hear that you are happy with the new school, and I pray that Emma will thrive there.
Wow! Thats awesome I am so happy to hear she is accepting and glad to go to school! That truly is a weight lifted. I am sure Emma will be a joy to everyone in her classroom. She has been for us!! Love you!!!
I pray all goes well and Emma Grace gets into the perfect school. I am so glad you liked it. It probably is something that will be good for her. It seems most kids at her age really like school. Maybe it’s just something different to them. She is such a sweetheart, I am glad to hear things are looking a little brighter today. We have a lot of ups and downs with my son, but all in all things seem to work around to what is best. It’s so neat to watch parents like you, who are willing to go the extra mile for their kids, reap the benefits of raising awesome kids. With support like this Emma Grace cannot go wrong. I am sure she will be very successful in all parts of her life. Remember Einsteins story? If he didn’t have a mom that believed in him, he may not of amounted to much. It’s great to know what a mothers love is capable of and I am sure God meant for it to be this way.
Praise God!! I’m so glad you have found a place to suit her, what an answer to prayer!
God is so Good! I do hope all pray all works out and that she attends the school you know is best for her. That is simply wonderful. We are praying for you and her. Blessings Galore!
Heather, I’m so glad that you’ve found a school that Emma will enjoy and flourish in!
I hope you know that I’m so proud of you for being the type of mother who will fight to make sure her child’s needs are met. Unfortunately, I didn’t have that type of mother.
I love seeing your passionate protectiveness of your daughter.