I can clearly see him as a tiny little three-year-old, toddling along down the hall - or, being pushed, pulled, and dragged, screaming... We had lots of mornings like that. I can remember having to PEEL his clinging little hands away from my legs and walking away as fast as I could, tears blinding my vision - hoping against hope that he'd calm down and have a good day. In retrospect, those preschool years were every bit as important as his last couple of years, though...he learned about spending the day in a classroom, and he learned to pay attention to the children that surrounded him. It took a while for him to come out of his own world, but he surely has.
So while there is still the very rare morning that he balks about leaving home to go to school, he has grown to love being there, and he has blossomed and grown and learned SO much - more than I once thought possible. He no longer has to be taken in to a special side entrance. Over a year ago I started parking and walking him to the main door where all the other kids enter. He adapted beautifully and learned to walk along with the stream of children, smiling and occasionally reaching out to touch their little faces. This morning I hung back and watched him...ears covered as is his custom, he walked down the sidewalk and headed into the building...and I was overcome with emotion. That walk signifies so much.
So today a chapter ends. Five years of struggles and worries and advocacy have given rise to the sweet, smart, outgoing little boy we are so proud of today. He has such a journey ahead of him, but those strong little legs have already traveled such a long, long way. I worry about all the changes we face as he transitions to a new school...but we'll make it. He's proven that he can do it.
The boy who wouldn't hold a marker in his hand a few years ago wrote his name independently on the sign-in board this morning. He smiled a little smile when we praised him, then came up to me.
"Bye buddy...I love you."
"...Vvvv you... Good-bye!" said very firmly, as always. It's time for you to go, Mom. I'm at school!
I love you, baby.
1 comment:
The strides Stephen has made in the past year have been remarkable. In fact, if you go back and read from your first blog entry, you can track much of that progress. It has been rewarding to watch, both in terms of his progress and how YOUR efforts have helped spark it. Be proud of the strides he's made, and of the way you've helped him achieve his "little victories." And be proud of how you've helped bring real and honest awareness to autism, and not just "feel-good stories." More people know the real deal because of you.
I have no doubt you will help make Stephen's transition to his new school as smooth as possible, and he will continue to WOW you with his accomplishments. He may even at times inspire a ZOWIE! now and then! ;)
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