Special People

About 9 years ago I took a job at an elementary school in OKC working with special needs children.  There were children in wheel chairs, children with mental disabilities, and children with minor issues.  They were the neatest kids to work with.  I learned that you have to get to know each child and work with them differently.  My mother always told me that she didn't think she could handle having a special needs child, but she thought I was the kind of person who could have a special needs child and be a great mom to that child.  In all honesty, I think if you are given a special needs child you quickly learn to adapt.

My Alex doesn't have anything life threatening.  He doesn't have anything that requires special equipment and he isn't in a special needs class.  Alex's issues are unique.  Jacob and I often talk about how it seems Alex is trapped between two worlds--he is struggling in regular classes and isn't required to do everything the other students do.  He has come to us and told us on more than one occasion that he feels "different" from other children. His little brother can do things he can't and every day Logan will get to play while Alex has special reading homework, special speech homework, special OT assignments, and other activities he is supposed to do in order to help him.  I can't imagine how Alex sees the world.  I can't imagine what it's like to be 7 and have to work twice as hard as everyone else.
I can't imagine what it's like to be 7 and be so persistent and hardworking while your little brother plays.

This morning we had another IEP meeting to add more help for Alex when school starts next year.  One of the sheets we went over stated that Alex could have extra time for tests and homework if he needed it and that teachers were asked to be patient with him and allow him time to answer questions.

I sat at that table surrounded by people who have worked with Alex for years--people who have come to love Alex.  They went on and on about what a sweet boy he is and how they enjoy working with him.  I can't be with my boys every second of every day and I will admit that we worry about Alex more than we worry about Logan.  What if people don't understand him?  What if people ignore him because they can't understand him?  What if some one gets frustrated with him?  What if . . . what if . . . what if . . . the list goes on and on.  It is nice to know that your child is with people who truly care about him--people who know him and his needs and want to help him succeed.  Today, I am thankful for these people--the amazing people who are in my son's life cheering him on, comforting him when he gets overwhelmed, and understanding his special needs.

Thank you for a wonderful school year and for loving my son. You all will always have a special place in our hearts!