Letting Go

This August, we were informed a few days before school that my son would be moved to a different school location, in a new classroom,with new classmates and new teachers.  Initially, I wanted to ask if they were (for lack of a better word) bonkers! My son, who has an extreme fear of change, who has to be prepped 2 weeks before any  change in his schedule, was going to be pulled out of the classroom setting he now so much enjoys?!!
Listening more intently though on the purpose of this last-minute adjustment, I realized that he would no longer be put in a separate special needs class but will share the classroom with "typical" children, allowing him full immersion into a regular class setting.  He would still be provided his specific therapy sessions but shall be receiving the same opportunities and services provided to the rest of the students.  Really scary but doesn't this sound like a "promotion"? With crossed fingers and a silent prayer, we charged head-on and took the new program.

Here is a short excerpt of his third day in the new school setting.....

I think I had more difficulty letting go than he did....He put up a strong front and did his best to be the "big kid" that he has become.  Watching this clip still brings tears to my eyes everytime....

All is well

It's been 9 months since that dreaded day...the day we learned of the great change in our lives.  Time is of the essence and the 270 days have been used quite wisely.  Our precious one has been fortunate to be provided special education services within 2 months of applying for the program.  While seemingly lacking, the individual educational program created for him has helped in ways that made our hearts sing.  No doubt the first few days were difficult and anxiety-provoking but with our support and unwavering hope, our little one prevailed.  Within the next 5 months, he continued to flourish, enjoying and anticipating each coming school day, thanks to his compassionate special ed teacher who didn't make him feel less than he was.  In this setting, he wasn't different nor was he the odd man out which was unfortunately the case in his previous schools.  Here he belonged and was complimented for his achievements, no matter how trifle they were.  Lately, he has become more trusting and has shown a little more confidence to express himself without the fear of being judged.  No, his speech, comprehension nor social skills are still not at par with that of a "typical" child's but he's getting there.....

Things are looking good....