Moving on......

Man, this is harder than I imagined. I didn't realize just how much I was going to miss our "people" up at UCLA. I was so anxious to be done with that darn commute and the total disruption of our every day life that I didn't account for how I would feel when we were "done". I have been in this depression for the last week and it's time to shake it off! It's time to turn to the One who can help more than any program or person. I gained a false sense of security when we were up there; akin to Dorothy's ruby slippers if you will. I felt like as long as we were there and under the supervision and direction of this magnificent staff, we were "safe". The truth of the matter is, we were no more "protected" than we are now. When Boo melts down, I'm still the one to walk him through it. I'm still the one who reads, researches, connects and advocates for him. That has never changed. We have been given new tools and validation, true. We are much better off now than pre-program. I need to keep reminding myself of this.
Change is not something I'm good at. I prefer things to stay the same (except for furniture ;) ) Boo is not good with change either. Transitions (big and small) are extremely difficult for him. It's hard for me to watch him miss his teachers. He especially misses his one teacher who became his best buddy. (see, I'm tearing up just typing this). "B" was an amazing influence on Boo. I am hoping we can stay connected somehow because I would love for him to continue on as Boo's mentor through life.
So no fancy quotes, no catchy phrases, no inspiring verses....just raw feelings and emotions here. I am turning to God for his guidance. He loves Boo even more than we do. I know His plan is perfect. We will continue to take it one day at a time and really hold on tight to the things we learned from UCLA.
The next few weeks will be a little chaotic. My oldest starts high school (big deep breath), Bo and Banana will start 4th and 5th grade (at home) and Boo will start Kindergarten!!! It's going to be a wild ride but exciting all the way! Our family does not know how to do boring...;)
Stay tuned for first day of school reports.....and I'm still waiting on pics from Boo's graduation so I'll post those as soon as I get them too!
'night!

Be yourself, everyone else is already taken. ~ Oscar Wilde

Well we made it. 12 weeks of intense learning, therapy, evaluating, examining, trial and error, success, frustration, hope and SUCCESS!
I am feeling so overwhelmed with emotion right now that it's hard to really convey how I'm feeling. I thought I would feel relieved to be done. I am a little. I am more scared than anything. I didn't realize how much I came to depend on the staff and the parents up there. I was so used to doing everything on my own. I didn't realize that while I was up there, I started letting go of some of that control (fear). I began to see progress and began to have faith in these wonderful teachers and therapists who grew to love and care about my son more than I could ever imagine. Now it's over. Now we're back in the "real world". I feel the weight of all of Boo's challenges back on my shoulders. I'm sure it's just the raw emotions coming out. I know in a few days (or a few weeks), I will settle back into my old role as the warrior mother.
I also walk away from this wonderful experience with more confidence in Boo. I have confidence that he will become the person God has created him to be. He is perfectly made and uniquely "Boo". He is an amazing child of God who I sing praises for every day.
Ok, so I know I promised pictures but my camera battery died (grrrrr). I have to wait for one of the staff to email me the pics she took for us. Once I get them, I'll post.
Next stop: IEP meeting with the new school. I am hoping we can do that in the next few weeks as school starts Sept 9th!
I'll update soon. 'Night!

Gearing up for our big goodbye....

Boo will officially graduate from UCLA on Tues. I am all over the map right now with emotions. I am selfishly ecstatic to be done with that commute but terrified to be "on our own" again.
Boo has made such incredible progress. He has charmed his way into the hearts of every teacher and staff member. He has gained independence, self confidence, and a love for learning :) He really WANTS to learn now. This is a huge accomplishment for us (him).

I have much to do this weekend to prepare for Boo's big graduation. I have more thank you's to write out than I can even count however, there really are no words to describe how grateful I am to the teachers and staff. If I could keep him in this program until he graduates college, I would!!!!!

Well I need to keep this little update short. I know I haven't posted many resources lately but am hoping once we are done next week, I will have a little more time to share info/resources/etc with you.

I'll post pics on Tues after graduation!!!!!