Long, long ago, there was a young knight who had learned the ways of his trade. He worked hard and carefully studied everything he could. As he grew in age, he knew he was destined for bigger things. Finally, the time had come for him to advance to a bigger kingdom, to serve a different king. He was very unfamiliar with this new kingdom, but he had heard grand things about it. The size, oh he had heard it was bigger than anything he had ever seen. The kingdom had so many people that he was ecstatic to meet and the new skills he would learn brought so much excitement to him. He was very eager to start this new adventure!
The time came for him to leave. All of his possessions were tightly packed and he started off on his trusty steed. As he ventured, he remembered having met a few people who had gone to that kingdom. He even recalled a new skill he would have the opportunity to learn. He continued to imagine and greatly anticipate with each stride of his horse. Oh would this be the most exciting day ever!
But as he got closer, he began to see the kingdom. At that distance, it was still very small, but it slowly got bigger and bigger. So much, that it seemed too big! He started to see people in the kingdom. Oh, were there people. They seemed to be … everywhere. And they were giants! How would he find those friends he had made long ago? He slowed down his horse as they rode over the draw bridge into the castle. As he entered through the door, he could feel himself getting a little nervous. Then the door closed. There was no going back and he wondered, did he do the right thing? Was this really part of his destiny?
Coming back into reality, this young knight is my sweet boy. This big kingdom is his new school and these giants are all the kids and teachers in his new school; many, many more than the old school he knew. He knew everyone at that old school. He knew where everything was in that old school. He knew where he was going every day in that old school. All of this is new, with the exception of a handful of people. You could imagine how this could be a bit scary and overwhelming for my little guy.
Needless to say, he had trouble adjusting. There were very few familiar faces, an unknown schedule where he had no idea when the class he was doing now would end and what was next. He knew what he would have for lunch, but I am not sure what more he knew would happen and this guy likes a schedule, a plan, and consistency. And mama hurts for him!
Moms and Dads, no one knows your kid like you do! The next best thing is his teacher of several years. Those aids that loved on your child as they patiently cheered him on to do the task over again until he got it. Those other parents of the kids in his class. What a wealth of information, especially if their child is a year or two ahead!
Well, here is the deal! My son needed help and I did my homework. I called on everyone I knew that had something they could and would want to contribute to help this guy thrive in what I know will be a great next step for him – a service coordinator assigned to support him, a previous teacher, administration in the school, the new teacher, new support specialists (and those parents in my back pocket). And last, but most important to us, God’s wisdom and favor as I went into what feels sometimes like the lion’s den.
It was the first of several meetings, and overall, I left very pleased with the next steps we are going to take together. We have been very blessed with some great people to work with, but I will continue to slay the dragons for this guy as I fight in love for the best opportunities to help him thrive!
Sometimes, even the custom cookie cutters still don’t fit quite right and need tweaked.
You know your kid and other moms and dads are rooting you on!
Do your homework, pull on all your resources, and let’s go slay those dragons!
You were handpicked for your kid to fight this good fight and you’ve got this!
Thank you for being on this journey with us, shedding a different light on disabilities!
1 Corinthians 12:22-27
#specialneeds #specialneedsmamas #specialneedskids #inclusion #createdforapurpose #differentnotless
I LOVE this! I promise to help this little guy slay dragons and conquer the castle! I promise to support you, listen to you and help you both through this journey. We’ve got this! And if we/I fall short, God has our backs! For He knows the plans He has for us, and He will give us hope and a future. We can do ALL things through him who strengthens us. Know that I do NOT give up. I will keep persevering, and know that I pray for each of my knights daily. Do not give up hope!