Sometimes I forget how far my son has truly come. I see him every day, so those changes that he's made - large and numerous - sometimes slip my attention.
My son completed his 8th grade promotion ceremony on Monday, June 13th. During the ceremony, he won a citizenship award and received his certificate. He walked across the stage, received the paper, thanked the teacher, shook hands with the principal, walked back down and returned to his seat.
Eight years ago, you never would have convinced me he would be able to do any of that.
I didn't realize it at first, but then parents of his friends began coming up to us after the ceremony and saying how amazed they were at how far he had come since preschool. Of course, I agreed, but then my husband and I looked at each other and really thought about it.
**As little as 3 years ago, he would have had trouble walking up the stairs.
**As little as 2 years ago, he would have had trouble shaking hands and thanking someone.
** As little as 8 months ago - the beginning of the school year, he would have had much difficulty with the lights in the gym and the noise from the voices and applause echoing.
We thought about it some more and realized that, at one point, we never thought he'd talk, let alone hold a conversation with his teacher about his award. We never thought he'd have friends, let alone the large number of friends who cheered loudly when he walked across the stage. We never thought he could handle social situations on any level without walking along the fringe, pacing and stimming, let alone walk around mingling and meeting new people.
Wow. It really hit us how amazing he really is. To overcome all of these issues he's had for so long.
Ok, I know I'm biased. But that's okay. He's wonderful. And I thank everyone who's helped him in middle school become the poised young man he is.
Amazing.
No comments:
Post a Comment