School update Sept '08

I just thought I would put a little update on here about your school. Your doing AWESOME!! Since the scholarships came through, they are able to split the classes. So one class is for the advanced learners and one for the beginning learners. Which basically means they split the verbal and non verbal kids. Which is awesome for both groups!! That means that there is 10 kids in your class and 5 adults in the class. So the kids get a much better 1 on 1 ratio. Your doing wonderful and your social skills are getting so much better. You have a little best friend named Max and you and Max are so good together. You both talk to each other and engage in play with each other and its awesome to see you both act that way. We have been doing a huge assessment through his therapy and to see what you can and cant do. And so far everything on there has been that you can do it...and you do everything to where you should be at! That makes me so happy to know that in most places your developing right where you should be. There are a few things where its very hard for you to do but that's nothing compared to what you CAN do! I have been very discouraged and stressed out this past week because everything seemed like it was coming crashing down on me. We had some good therapists quit, you started to pick up some strange behaviors, your aggressiveness has been coming back, and daddy was going to be gone this weekend camping with the scouts and I didn't know how I was going to do it. So I went searching for some inspiration in the way of a poem or a story of something that would make me feel better. And this is the very first one I saw...and I knew it was put there just for me right at that time. This is you almost 100% and so I wanted to post it so you could read it.

I am Ethan:

You may not understand me, or the way I feel today.

You may not understand my reasoning for things I do or say.

The reasons why I’m so loud and say things over & over again,Why I run so differently or lose my homework every now & then.

I write my letters backwards and sometimes numbers too,and when in a conversation, I’ll say “Guess what” 100 times to you.

Too much noise, light, or excitement can set me in a spin.

I don’t like the way these pants feel rubbing against my skin.

I try to be good, but sometimes it’s hard to control,I have to do it, it’s an impulse, I don’t always do what I’m told.

Ketchup, Ranch and BBQ sauce on everything I eat,sometimes I have days that I just can’t sit still in my seat.

I like to talk a lot even when it’s out of turn,my mind plays tricks on me and interrupts what I’m trying to learn.

Sit up straight, wipe my face, and play ever so soft,some of these things

I have trouble with and I usually lose my train of thought.I didn’t mean to spill the milk mom, or slam the door so hard,everyone else is done with their homework, I don’t know where to start?

My heart’s as big as gold, my feelings get hurt too,I get sad, cry and have bad days just like you.

My brain works differently than other girls and boys,but one thing always holds true, I can give your life so much joy.

I get frustrated so easily and my hand won’t work that way,I don’t understand why those other kids won’t let me come over and play.

Please don’t think of me any differently or love of me any less,I’m just like other kids and trying to do my best.

I am very special in my own unique way,and every moment with me you’ll never have a dull day.

I am Mom:

I love you more than the sun moon and stars,my little miracle you’ve come oh so very far.

Each day that you grow and learn and love I thank god for everything in the heavens above.

You are sweet, smart, and funny, all rolled into one and you have so much love to give, you‘re my whole world my very special son.

© Kelly Graham