My special little boy

[army_wife2000]

   We just received an entry form and regristration form today from Alex's school.  To my surprise, it was for the Special Olympics /Young Athletes.  It was funny how I had mixed feelings about this, at first I was apprehensive, even aggrevated that my son would be invited to attend, after all we wouldn't be there just as spectators, we were participants. 

    When we were interviewed for the special school district last fall, I  really didn't want Alex to be accepted, once again,  if he wasn't accepted, then he actually didn't fit the criteria for the school.  That would be good for me, I didn't want to know that my child was 18 months or more delayed in more than 2 areas, (that was their criteria).  He was accepted.  I then had to face  the fact that he was now in a special school at the age of 3.

   Now that  he has been attending, he gets excited when the bus comes (waving-flapping his arms).   I ask him how his day was and try to get him to "talk" to me or share what he did that  day, I never get a response.   I read the teachers note once a week and that is my communication with him about school.  All that has really mattered to us is that he is happy and healthy, and he is. 

    Part of me does not want to take him to this event only because he is actually being labeled  "special" for being in it.  The strong part of me knows that I have to take him because he deserves the chance to be there, even if he doesn't understand anything that is going on around him.  He won't know why we are there, he  may not even know what he is suppose to do when they instruct him, but some small part  of him  just might.  I sent out e-mails to everyone I could think of just to make sure that I would have to take him.  I'm sure he will have fun.  I'll be sure to take pix for everyone to see next week. 

[shellakers]

Mar. 23, 2009 at 11:39 PM

(((HUGS)))  I'm a little cautious with what I'm able to say to you.  I want to say congratulations and I'm proud of you...  I know that will only set you on edge.  I know how you react to these things.  Dianna, I know how hard this is for you to accept.  Alex is just perfect to all of us too!  It's just that we can see that he truly is special.  That doesn't have to be a bad word.  It's actually meant just as what it sounds...  special.  He's been a blessing since the day he was born.  I didn't want to believe that my daughter was adhd.  I remember thinking that they were smacking me in the face with that info.  Yhey were crazy!  I mean, I KNEW they really weren't crazy  because after all, I was there at the doctors office because she tried to kill her sister!  lol  SERIOUSLY!  Why did I expect to hear them say she was "normal".  That trying to stab her older sister was somehow normal.  That trying to suffocate her baby sister was normal?  I just wanted them to tell me I was doing something wrong.  NOW, I know you're thinking...  adhd doesn't compare to autism.  Who do you want to say that to though?  We all just take what God gives us and we're proud of what we have:-)  To ME it was hard to hear Danielle was adhd.  To you... it's hard to realize that Alex is autistic.

I've kind of come to grips with the fact that to deny Danielle's adhd is like saying I'm ashamed of her.  A nurse told me that when I was going through the whole denial thing.  She was right.  God sent these babies to us because he thought WE were the perfect mothers.  That is such a awesome feeling to know that he trusted us with these kids!  And GOD knows Danielle is still living (I didn't eat my young) so I must be doing a good job, right?  lol 

I love you girl and I know you of all people can do this.  You're doing all the right things by Alex.  Now you just have to accept the plate that God gave you.  You know, Alex doesn't know anything BUT being Alex.  He doesn't know the difference.  He just knows that his mama loves him more than anything and that he's the apple of everyone's eye.  I know he is mine!

(((HUGS)))  Please don't be mad:-)

[madnbransmom]

Mar. 24, 2009 at 12:01 AM

That post is the epitome of a good mother!!!  Good for you for doing what is best for your son!

[LadySaphira]

Apr. 23, 2009 at 2:13 PM

I can understand your mixed feelings, I have 3 children with disabilities of some type (1 with a BT, 1 with LD, and 1 with PDD-NOS, ADHD, SPD and mild anxiety) and it was hard to accept at first. That being said my youngest 2 have participated in Special Olympics for several years now and love every minute of it. I think it has done wonders for their self confidence and self esteem. They get to feel a part of a team and it gives them a sense of pride that they CAN do things that others may not think they can do.

Don't let the lables get you down hun, I  am not crazy about them either but if the label allows my children get the help they need then I can live with it.

And trust me, once you see how much FUN your little one has at these events, you'll wish they were held more often, at least I do.