For 15+ years the
Labour Day weekend signalled the start of another school year. This year will be
the last time I will think of September in terms of back to school. One. More.
Year. Bittersweet indeed.
I decided to take a
look back on Riley’s school experience for this week’s Monday Listicles. It has
been an adventure to say the least. There were times when I could never have imagined
Riley sitting in a desk…ever. Times when we celebrated his accomplishments like
learning to zip up his jacket on his own (thank you FG)! Times when I was stressed to the max over the summer not knowing who would be working with Riley the following year. I’d better stop now as I am starting to twitch uncontrollably. So here is
a rundown of what it took to get Riley through the last 15 years:
1.
3 schools (preschool, elementary and high school).
2.
6 child care workers.
3.
13 elementary school teachers.
4.
25+ high school teachers.
5.
9 Special Education Assistants.
6.
8 case managers.
7.
26+ IEP meetings not to mention multiple impromptu meetings throughout
the school year.
8.
If x = number of forms to be filled out at the beginning of the school
year then x to the 10th power = number of forms required when you
have a special needs child. The number of medical, diagnostic and community
services forms required is the bane of special needs parents’ existence.
9.
3 work experience job placements.
10.
1 Commencement Ceremony this coming June. Woo-hoo!!!
So many people to
remember. So many people to thank. So
many people who have helped us along the way. Riley has come so far thanks to
so many. We have been so very fortunate to have had such a great support
network of family, friends, educators, specialists and “workers” (who are all really so much more).
This should be one
exciting year with lots to blog about if you’re lucky. Ha! I
am going to leave you with a picture of Riley when he started kindergarten. Captured that time perfectly! :)
 |
| "WTH were they thinking sending me here?!?!?" |
bittwersweet indeed. That picture is utterly adorable! I love me some Charlie Brown!
ReplyDeleteThanks Robbie! Pretty sure if it was J2 I would've had a retake. When we (his K teacher, FG & I) saw the proof...no question it was a keeper. Ha!
Deleteomg that picture is absolutely adorable!!!
ReplyDeleteHard to believe they were ever that little now isn't it??? Your turn...dig out Tommy's kindergarten pic. I'm dying to see it. :D
Delete*GASP*!! I will do that today. Not that i'm not already having a breakdown over the fact that he will be an ADULT in less than 50 days! hahaaa
DeleteInhale....exhale....inhale....exhale. :)
DeleteDon't forget to send me the pic please. D
Aw so cute! And congrats to you all re graduation :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Stacie! We're keeping our fingers crossed that we will have a good year to finish off a great school experience with only a few minor hiccups along the way. :)
DeleteHere's to the Class of 2013!!!
You really are embracing the "It's takes a village" philosophy! But seriously, while it's an accomplishment for Riley, it also speaks volumes on your parenting that he's at this stage, ready to graduate! Kudos to you mama, and to all those that helped Riley succeed!
ReplyDeleteTrust me...it took a HUGE city to get where we are today! Ha! Thank you for your very kind words Jackie. Means a lot!
DeleteDiane
Aw, cutie!
ReplyDeleteAnd bittersweet indeed. I am sure it must have been such a struggle while it was all happening..but now, Look at the great Fruit of your labours! awesome accomplishment.
We definitely had our moments at times but like labour...you only remember the good things. Thank GOD!!! Haahaahaa!
DeleteThanks Rory! DI
You've definitely got the right attitude! Congrats on the upcoming graduation! And the photo is adorable =)
ReplyDeleteThanks Anja! I must admit after our first day today...my attitude is not nearly as good. Oi-vay.
DeleteLove what this list is about!! And that photo of him is the cutest thing ever!!
ReplyDeleteWe really do realize how lucky we have been over the years. Some very amazing people out there!
DeleteOMG! Best picture ever! I hope you're aware that his army of support people probably all want a ticket to commencements - we're all so proud of him!!
ReplyDelete-Lauren
If we make it to June...ha! Looking forward to getting together with you to hear all about your honeymoon. Will be in touch, DI
DeleteDude-- he is so stinkin' cute!!! How can you stand it?! Oh, and the uncontrollable twitching-- LMAO, woman!! (And I do a little twitching on my own from time to time-- I so totally relate.
ReplyDeleteHaha! He was pretty adorable when he was little although aren't they all at that age??? :)
DeleteD
Really cute pic. Can't believe he'll be a senior this year! Does he have any post-high-school plans in the works?
ReplyDeletePost-high-school plans? It's an on-going process and one that is fairly limited at this point for young adults like Ri. It can be difficult to plan too far ahead as we never know where he will be in terms of readiness. Keeping our fingers crossed and plugging away. :)
Delete