We had an appointment on March 3rd. Something that for so long seemed elusive, too far in the future to contemplate: Hannah had her LAST IEP meeting. It was all very routine and went fine. . .it was over and we all went about our day. Then, for whatever reason, 2 days later, it all hit me like a ton of bricks, and the tears have been bubbling just below the surface ever since. It was her LAST one! I can remember with crystal clarity her FIRST IEP. It was in 1996, in the first grade. . .and now here we finally were. . .at her last one. It struck me much like they say one's life flash's before one's eyes in a sometimes traumatic moment. . .13 long years of challenges, victories and struggles. . .countless days when we were SO overwhelmed and the hundreds of times we wondered if we were doing enough. . . and the constant baby steps on the journey that will culminate exactly one month from today. Hannah will graduate from high school. And she will GRADUATE. Fortunately, in the State of Texas, her diploma will look the same as anyone else's, not a "Certificate of Completion" as some states do. May be a minute point to some. . .but to a kid who has spent her life feeling different, it's a big deal.
I know full well that this is not the last hurdle. . .far from it. The rest of life awaits her (and us) and figuring out what kind of supported environment she will need. . . what kind of job she will be able to do. . .and all the rest. But we'll think about that. . .maybe in July. . .for now we are going to celebrate! Celebrate Hannah's arrival at a place that seemed so far away for so long. Celebrate the people who have lovingly walked beside us on this journey. The ones who have listened, counseled, held our hands, prayed and guided us through the unknown. There is no adequate way to thank them. . .but God knows who they are and what they've done. . .and I've asked Him many times to bless them.
Whew! I think it's time to start planning a graduation party!
No comments:
Post a Comment