So, I have to play the proud mommy tonight and brag a bit! I have a beautiful little boy named Sam who is 8 years old. For those who have been following my blog for awhile, you'll remember that Sam was born with xxyy syndrome, is on the autism spectrum and has severe speech apraxia. Everything in his life has come with a lot of work-for him and us! We have moved our family from a different state and then from a community we loved, so he could get the therapy and attend the school that we felt would be best for him. I'll be honest, when we realized that he was facing so many uphill battles, I set aside certain expectations for him. It took me 3 years just to hear him say mamma. I didn't know if he would ever read or do math or other educational things like my other kids did and I didn't mind! It was more important to me that he was happy and learning the important things.
He has come so far. The school he attends is amazing and helped him overcome his constant running away or his meltdowns and violent tendencies over little things. The past few months have been the best yet. He is happy and regulated and talking better than we ever thought possible. Tonight I attended his parent teacher conference and learned that he is reading on a first grade level (he is in second grade) and doing amazing in math! He is actively involved each day and loves to learn. They handed me a paper he had done with double digit math facts, where he even carried the one! I had no idea he could do that! The other paper he had written-all on his own the words, "I lost a tooth" It was darling! And he did lose his first tooth over the weekend!
It is an amazing feeling when you work so hard to just help your child do the minimal things. You hope and you pray and then one day, you realize that he is not only surviving this big scary world, but he is thriving in it! It was the best feeling ever!
I shared this over a year ago on the blog here, but it is one of my favorite layouts that I scrapped of this sweet boy. I think it is fitting to share again!
And now for today's freebie:
**Link has Expired.
13 comments:
Wow, your scrap page made me cry. It is beautiful...he is beautiful!! I love the words so much...so touching! Thanks for sharing your story with us!! You should be proud of not only what he has achieved but what a great family he has that has helped him to get there!
Thank you for Day 9 and also for sharing your beautiful page.
I know exactly how you feel!! The first time we took our boy to a kiddy concert and he showed enjoyment just like the other kids, we had tears streaming down our faces .. I think everyone else thought we were nuts!! I hope Sam continues to thrive & improve!! Thank you for today's freebie.
Your son is blessed to have parents who have worked so hard to help him in his life's journeys. And it sounds like you, too, are blessed to have Sam in your lives.
THANK YOU ;~}
from crystalnva
Oh my...tears! Thanks so much for sharing this with us...and for the wonderful gift!
I'm so glad to read that Sam is doing so well! What an accomplishment!
Thank you for today's download. :)
Thank you very much for sharing your scrap page and your son's amazing progress - it truly touches my heart! Many blessings to you and your family.
Thanks for today's gift.
Betty
Oh my gosh, copious amount of tears here too. How wonderful to hear Sam is thriving! You sound like awesome parents and I pray blessings and joys will continue to come your way. Thanks for sharing your story and beautiful page, and today's gift.
Congrats to you and your son (and family)! You have every right to be so proud of him. Your son is lucky to have such an advocate as you. :) Thank you for sharing your success.
Our oldest boy was dx'd with HF autism when he was 2-3. After a few years of OT and Behavioral Therapy, he seemed to pull out of it and is now a thriving, super smart and successful 5th grader. Very few signs remain and only obvious if you're looking for them. There is hope!
Wow.. brought me close to tears. I have a 7 yr old boy who is extremely bright despite his diagnosis of ADHD / PDD-NOS.. so I can so relate to your story! My son is in Gr. 2 and doing very well too considering his challenges to get there. I too am so proud of my boy, but yes it was a lot of work for both him and myself to get him this far! Thx for sharing Ramona! Oh and Jennifer.... thank you for spreading the hope with your reply! :) ... CanadaDiAnna :D
So wonderful to here about all the progress that Sam is making, it's so good to see such an involved parent-- and thanks again for all the scrap goodies too
Your layout is wonderful, and is so fitting. What a sweet child! Thank you for sharing Sam and your story! Ramona you are fabulous! I can't imagine moving as you did. My 11yo son is also an ASD child (PDD with ADHD)and life is a challenge. One of the best tools I found was the book "The Explosive Child" by Ross W Greene. My son was prone to long, often violent meltdowns and my counselor suggested this book and it helped save my sanity. It's a great tool for child rearing for ANY parent. God bless you Ramona, and your family!
Post a Comment