BIG Changes

    The middle of the school year is a great time to reflect on growth, reassess strategies and tools for learning and reorganize goals for the months ahead.  For us, this has usually meant recognizing that we were really seeing more of the same, spinning our wheels gaining little ground.  Since Caleb was first diagnosed, we have sought to provide support that would not only help him academically, but also help to bring fewer outbursts of anger and frustration, less anxiety, and greater attention and focus.  One of my heart's greatest desires has been for his confidence to grow.  

     I am not exaggerating when I say that there were times that Caleb would ask us if we wished he was never born, or he would even go so far as to say HE wished he was never born.  He would threaten to hurt himself, threaten to run away or would just completely shut down.  This is a heartbreaking thing to hear and witness as a mom.  The helpless and hopeless look in his eyes would cause tears to fill mine.  I would have borne the weight of it all for him if I could, but that's not how it works....

     This school year, however, is different.  Throughout the past few months, we have already been seeing some great progress for ourselves at home, and have been over the moon thrilled with the feedback we have received from his therapists and other family members. He's been less reactionary, more content, more confident and more connected.  He's taken ownership of his own nutrition and has been diligent to do Dr. Jim's "exercise homework assignments."  He's doing school work more independently and his grades are climbing out of the red.  Even better yet, we have already begun reducing the dosage of his medication and anticipate one day being medication free!!!!  The best gift so far, though, is the smile I see on that face.  Happy and carefree, beginning to enjoy his own journey the way that every kid should.

     Even if you feel like you're at the end or your rope, don't give up!  Keep asking questions, keep knocking on those doors.  Keep seeking wise counsel.  Learn from the triumphs and mistakes of those around you.  Your answers are out there!  We are thankful for ALL the support Caleb has received over the years.  Each therapist and educational support teacher has been sent by God for their divine time, purpose and place.  Thankful for all we have learned over the years and the tools that we have received to support Caleb at home.  However, some of what we have done has just been putting a band-aid on a wound that would likely never fully heal.  We weren't addressing the problem at its root.  We are now digging deep to get rid of anything that is keeping him from reaching his fullest potential and performing at his best... FEELING HIS BEST.....  SMILING ALL THE WHILE.  My heart is full, and I know we've only just begun.