I can't believe it has been almost 5 weeks since my last post! I admit that teaching again has proven to be the ultimate challenge. I am learning SO much. I am trying very hard to learn Florida curriculum and policies. This has certainly been a crash course. I had my first FCAT experience and it was a stressful one, to say the least. All of it, will help me in the upcoming years...and maybe more importantly, help me to be a better informed mother. I know that I continue to be grateful for the amazing student that Trevor has become. I love that he LOVES school and sports and tries his hardest to succeed. I admire him for that. There is so much we as parents have to teach our children. I am so lucky that there are some qualities in Trevor that were just "there". Thank god. Yes, I am hard on him at times. We spoke recently about it. Maybe I don't tell him enough how great he is, because when it was time to try out for travel baseball in the Fall, he was hesitant. I had to come clean:)...I told him that his biggest issue as a player was ME. Most parents just want their kids to go out there and have fun! I, on the other hand, want to see him turning two, striking guys out, and hitting doubles. This is not to fill any void of mine, I want this for him because I see a special quality in him. I believe in him. Just not sure I tell him that enough. I will try harder to do so...in between our practice sessions:)
And then there is Darren. I found this ESPN clip that was broadcasted last Father's Day. I remember watching this in a restaurant in Chantilly. It was the day we were leaving VA and heading to FL. We couldn't believe it. The classroom shown is Darren's current class. Those are now his friends and his teacher. Where has the time gone? We couldn't be happier that his is where he is. The future continues to look bright.
I have great plans for them this summer. Darren especially. As mentioned, working has been a challenge. I love it professionally but, feel I have lost some of my balance as a mom. Some of his behaviors need attention once again. The peeing still happens occasionally, the alien noises are still there, anxiety in the car is rough, and the obsession with the doors is a constant. My realistic goal is never to get rid of all of these behaviors...but at times, one or more becomes so dominant that it literally drives me crazy. I also know that fighting the bull is not the approach to take with him. Consistent exercise is key. For those who know him, he NEVER sits...so what I should say is extra exercise is crucial. Long scooter rides, hours at the pool or beach, ultimately help his mood and behavior. Problem these days is that he CAN talk. I want beach, I want beach, I want beach, I want beach....this trend starts at 6:30 am at times. Not sure he understands that mommy needs coffee before making ANY plans. So, yes...it is difficult to deal with. I would like to say that I answer him calmly every 100 times he asks...but it is hard. Yet, when we get there, he is his happiest. He is one with ocean and autism is out at sea. Darren is not fearful, nor is he oblivious to the power of the ocean. I love watching him take on the waves. The best is when he gets pummeled....he just gets up laughing. Shouldn't we all handle life in such a manor...get knocked down yet, get up laughing.
Lastly, thanks to those who have supported Team Journey!!!. Thank you, Thank YOU, and you too. We are thrilled with the progress thus far in our effort to raise 10,000 for the Els for Autism Foundation. This will ultimately benefit Darren since the current school that he is in now, Renaissance Learning Center, will transfer over to the Center of Excellence once it is built. This is projected to be an International Center for Autism. This is a really big deal and the reason we moved here in the first place. A special thanks to Team Captain Aunt Cinnamon (Jen) for creating this team and getting the word out.
Here is the link once again.
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