More Than Just Three Awards

My daughter attends a therapeutic day school in a neighboring city. Our district determined that her needs could best be met there. Today they had their annual awards assembly. This school gets it. Every child receives an award. They also have special awards. Last year my daughter received just the one award. Today she received three. My husband and I couldn't have been prouder. Each of these awards represents a lot of hard work on Princess's behalf.

The classroom award that she received was for reading.

This award is significant because it represents many hours that Princess has spent reading. She's currently reading at a 12th grade level. This is something that she excels at.

She also received an Honor Roll award.

The special significance behind this award is that even though Princess is bright, her behaviors have always prevented her from truly showing all that she is capable of. At her previous school, she spent much of her time avoiding work.

The one that surprised me the most was this PE award.

 When Princess was in first grade, she clashed with her PE teacher. In subsequent years, she performed only marginally better. This year she decided she was going to change that. She asked her school therapist if she could meet with her current PE teacher so she could figure out how to get along better with her classmates. For his part, this amazing teacher agreed to the meeting. Then he worked with Princess to come up with a plan to ensure that she was successful. This award represents an ongoing commitment for both Princess and her PE teacher.

My daughter still has some growing to do, but she has come so far. This school is the perfect school for her. I'm so happy to see how much she is thriving there.

At the close of the ceremony, a wonderful video was shown. The students were asked to fill in this blank: This school makes me feel.... My daughter said, "successful." I couldn't agree more.

I'll See Your College Bound and Raise You a Van Bound

So often, I think that my daughter is heading down the same path as her peers and then I wake up from my fairy tale dream when I talk to other parents. Most recently I went to breakfast with my best friend. She is one of the most supportive people I know, but our girls are taking very different paths. Her daughter is headed for college. Mine is headed to the great chasm of the unknown. Her daughter is successfully participating in Cello lessons, Water Polo and is a budding chef. I'm just happy when my daughter leaves play rehearsals with a smile on her face. She's hoping that her daughter will get a scholarship to a university of her choice. I'm hoping that my daughter finishes the  current school year on a good note.
I listen, encourage and give advice when my dear friend asks but I have no experience to draw on except my own as a student. I have chosen to live in the moment. It's easier for our family that way. Some might find it odd that I truly do not even know what the end of summer will look like for Princess. Princess has been stable for over a year but because of her day to day challenges, we focus on helping her overcome whatever difficulties today has brought. Tomorrow or even next month may bring instability which could mean more hospital stays.
I've had people tell me that I should dream again for my child. That I am limiting her. I've heard that I am giving up hope.
I'd like to think of the way that we are approaching my daughter's future as freeing. I'm freed from the burden of worrying about the what ifs. I'm protecting my heart from disappointments.Our family is on a boat in a vast ocean. We'll have the calm times where we can take a few breaths of fresh air. We'll also have some tremendous storms where we'll have to hold on tight.
Honestly this week I'm happy because a school van transportation issue seems to be resolved. My daughter also completed two pages of homework without complaining. This morning she was ready for school on time. These are the things we celebrate at our house.
I do want to be supportive to my friend, but it is tricky because our girls are starting to lead very different lives. I'll do the best that I can because that's what friends do.
My daughter may never be college bound, but she'll be ready for the school van tomorrow morning. I hope....

My girl and her best friend a few years back.