How Quickly We Forget

This week was Darren's IEP, which is short for an Individualized Education Plan. I have come to appreciate these meetings since I have been to many over the past 5+ years. It is a time to celebrate successes from the past year and create the new plans for the upcoming year. Well, that's what they are NOW, but back in the day, it wasn't quite like that. During the meeting I couldn't help but to reflect back on the Journey.   The path has been bumpy. Darren has struggled. We have struggled....teachers have earned their stripes and dealt with behaviors from Darren that didn't make me proud. Teachers have been unsure how to handle him at times. Many emails were written by me with hopes of explaining all that I knew about Darren...what worked/what didn't...what was acceptable/what wasn't. Darren has had liquid stitches, bruises, and has bruised others at times....like I said, it's been bumpy.

But, there is light.

This has been the best year thus far. A collaborative effort on many levels. He is at an amazing school. I have said that before, but I will say it again now...I love this school. I have never felt more accepted...and I know that Darren feels the same way.

I listened to professionals around me share stories and target goals that showed me that they "get" Darren. I think the major difference is...I listened. Maybe I have grown just as much as Darren. I have let go enough to listen. As a teacher, I see the strengths and weaknesses in my own students and try desperately to figure "it" out. I know his teachers are doing the same. I see it daily and I am happy.

I didn't know what it would it be like to work at the same school that Darren attended. I was worried that it might mess him up a little. I was content in knowing that he wasn't far away and hopeful that he would feel the same. So far...it is all working out just fine. When I see him outside on the playground or in the hallway...he gives me a look. He acknowledges me...but he doesn't really want me to embarrass him. He's very professional...I'm at school, you're at work...period.

The medicine continues to be a blessing. It is not a miracle pill though. Darren is still Darren. I had to remind myself of this a couple of weeks ago. This medicine is helping tremendously but he still has autism...and he still has behaviors. But this week I was reminded that the behaviors aren't NEARLY what they used to be. For example, he used to spit, scratch, and run away or climb furniture at school. At home he peed on mirrors, ate toothpaste or soap, and could get aggressive. School hasn't seen any spitting. He had a couple small incidents of scratching but immediately felt remorseful and there has been no attempts at climbing or running away. I can't tell you how HUGE that is...Thank You God.

I am counting my blessings...over and over again. This week I was reminded, I can't believe that I forgot, that we have come so far. There are still goals to reach, unchartered territory ahead....but we have survived and conquered many hurdles.

Tag has now turned into Hide and Seek....