The TEAM meeting I was so anxious about, and scared of, was pleasant and agreeable. Deep down, I had a feeling the special ed director (who I have gone toe- to- toe with on many occasions as a parent and advocate) was going to do the right thing. And she did. Not only will Andrew be attending a great school program at a collaborative (25 kids total, he'll be in a classroom of 3), the new school really wants him there and has some wonderful ideas. There was an air of cooperation in the room- very peaceful.
It was very touching to see the sped director lead Andrew over to a computer in the room and help him get started looking up weather, or one of the other quirky things he does. This woman has known him since he was 3 and I really believe she cares about him. It's not my place to put words in anyone's mouth, but there was a certain under-lying air of "what happened to this kid?".
One amusing moment was when I relayed that Andrew's old (AWFUL) school on a few occasions sent him home for behaviors. (Basically, THE worst thing to do to a kid with autism because their behavior is reinforced--- they get what they want, escape from the demand). The BCBA from the new school joked "We make the kids sign a contract that no matter what they do, they won't get sent home, they are stuck with us all day, maybe all night, too". Love her.
I came home to a barrage of cards and gifts for Miss J, who turns 13 tomorrow. So many people love her and wanted to celebrate her milestone. My friends, her classmates, teachers, even my clients. The child could put a serious dent in the Apple Store after her birthday party at the mall (pizza and cake!). Then, she could go across the street to Barnes and Noble and do some damage there. What is really sweet are the messages in the cards. A bouquet of balloons came from friends we barely know, a flower cake is being delivered by a friend and client of mine. This "13" is going to be the best birthday ever. The moms who called me from her class were all so sweet, their kids, similar to her, never get invited to birthday parties, so everyone is coming. How many pizzas does it take to feed 9 hungry middle-schoolers and a bunch of adult friends?
We ended the day with a visit from a new respite person for Andrew. My friend's son is a perfect match for Andrew. Yay for connections with men who have "been there". Welcome to our fun-loving, chaotic family, Sam.
Life is indeed really good. We are crazy-blessed to have such a village of community and love and care. My faith in humanity has been restored and I am so happy to have found such joy in my kids and all they are accomplishing.
One question: How again did I get old enough to be the mother of a teenager?
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