Yesterday I walked out of my 4-1/2 year old daughter's parent-teacher conference flooded with emotion and feeling like I was going to cry. Again. Happy tears though. She will complete her first year in the "special ed" program in the local elementary school.
This is not your typical parent-teacher conference. As we talked (both parents, the head teacher and speech therapist) conversation led to stories which led to laughing, crying and hugging all the way around. She has made amazing progress this year - AMAZING - through this exceptional program, and along the way she touched everyone's hearts. This is work that matters and every victory so very hard earned.
I had not realized I held a fear that putting her in any program might change who she is.
I hope to reach others out there who are having a similar experience or know someone else who is. Although everyone's story is unique, we all have the same questions: what does it mean when your child deviates from "normal"? What does that mean for you as a parent?
