#justdoit

#justdoit
He did it...and he ROCKED IT. 😏

Freshman Year comes to a close with a well-deserved 3.5 final GPA.  This year has not been without its hiccups and speed bumps, but start to finish we really could not have asked for more. The fourth quarter especially was met with some challenges as Caleb has begun to transition to the regular co-taught classroom with fewer modifications in Math and English. Because of the depth of content in English he was quickly facing a failing grade. Instead of giving up and getting down on himself as he would have in the past he went on his own to the guidance counselor to seek help, which came as a surprise to us all. He then began working even harder to bring that grade up and finish strong.  Caleb has had an AMAZING team of support extending all the way to administration. Their dedication and commitment to Caleb's success has been overwhelmingly evident.  So blessed by the support and care Caleb has been surrounded with and so proud of HIM. He has shown so much courage and determination this year and his progress continues to amaze us. 

Caleb has grown so much this year and has worked so hard. He has increasingly gained more and more independence and has started to advocate more for himself, taking ownership for his part of the journey. The progress he's made has been so significant that his IEP team actually began removing and limiting modifications and have also recommended that he be placed in the regular classroom for all classes next year. Although this will provide new challenges, I have no doubt God will give the grace to help him rise above it.

The principal commented in a parting email that he believed that Caleb had shown more courage this year than most and on another occasion had told me how much he is inspired by him. I am too. Caleb is one of the strongest and bravest young men I know.

Just keep climbing, son... Can't wait to see your story unfold. ♥️

... To be continued

*** Miracles Do Happen ***

     If you don't think miracles can occur through chiropractic care, I can assure you , they most certainly do... and they are... Every day... About a year and a half ago, our son began his own miraculous journey with the McFaddens' Neurosensory Program that completely changed his direction and path for the better. His most recent report card is part of the proof. All A's and B's for the 3rd quarter IN A ROW and a 3.6 GPA 👊... Every single teacher comment pointed to consistent positive effort, a cooperative attitude and good participation during class instruction. That may not seem extraordinary at first glance, but for this kid it is. I pulled up a fairly recent report card to reflect on the difference and saw it riddled with ONLY negative comments...

*Lacks self-control

*Uncooperative

*Does not accept direction/help

*Disrespectful

     At the end of his 2nd grade year, he was diagnosed with autism, attention deficits, cognitive and developmental delays, and learning disabilities. No longer is he being identified with those behaviors and limitations, and the stigma of his diagnoses and labels are continuing to fade away. Even our son notices the difference more and more as he begins to experience new personal milestones. He even recently told his psychologist that for the first time in 15 years, he feels like a "normal kid."

We are continually in awe and full of gratitude at not only the progress he has made already but continues to make. Within the past few months, he received his 2nd degree black belt rank in martial arts, participated in his school's musical and has continued to experience an increase in self-confidence. We are now beginning to see a much more independent young man who is taking more personal responsibility for his own path, advocating for himself and openly accepting guidance and direction when needed. He is doing his school work and projects more independently and has a clearer understanding of coursework content. I used to imagine a future with constant support and never-ending struggle... But now?... Training wheels are off and he is flying. At the rate he's riding, any destination is possible. 

So I would say a resounding, "Yes." Miracles do happen through chiropractic, the discipline of self-care and good nutrition. Our son is one example, as are many others that have already and will continue to pass through their doors.

McFadden Chiropractic

A Star is Born

     

    

     This weekend we had the overwhelming joy of sitting back and watching our Caleb experience one of the biggest milestones in his life as he performed in Seneca Valley's Hello Dolly musical.

It has been so rewarding to watch him navigate this whole process with so much maturity and success. He poured everything he had into auditions and dedicated himself fully to an incredibly demanding rehearsal schedule all while managing his school assignments and tests. He remained focused and calm (well, mostly calm 😏), keeping his grades up - even scoring a 17/20 on a DNA Biology test the week of "go time."

   

  

   The positive connections with new friends has been an answer to prayer, and seeing him shine with so much joy and pride after every rehearsal and performance makes the late nights more than worthwhile. He's already talking about next year.

     

     Just two years ago all of this wouldn't have even been a remotely tangible possibility. He was clawing and crawling his way through the school year with an incredible amount of anxiety and frustration. His attention was so divided and limited that even managing his assignment book was difficult. We are just so amazed as we now sit back and continue to watch our Caleb "BECOME." Keep flying high, my shining star.... Show 'em what you've got. 🌟❤️🌟

(to be continued...)

"And you ask 'What if I fall?'

Oh but my darling,

What if you fly?" - Erin Hanson

Second Degree Black Belt Rank

You've come a long way, baby... Perseverance looks great on you, Caleb, and we are so proud of you. ❤️

Second Degree Black Belt *DECIDED*

81 moves successfully executed to complete his Shim Jun form.  In addition, he had to do two board breaks; flying side kick and a downward knife-hand strike.

Caleb's Taekwondo instructors are truly amazing.  They push him to be better, but are patient with his personal journey.  They’re caring and compassionate and truly go above and beyond to help every student reach their individual goals. Taekwondo has definitely been the best choice for Caleb over the years and one that we have never regretted.  We later discovered that it is one of the highest recommended sports for children with sensory issues. It checks off so many of the boxes that these kiddos need (resistive muscle activity, coordinated movement, body position and balance.) Organized team sports were too chaotic with too much movement around him. (Although he did have fun playing tag and doing cartwheels on that big shiny floor . The last 60 seconds were usually spent standing in the middle of the court watching the timer so that the buzzer wouldn't catch him off guard.  ) 

Not only has Caleb achieved Black Belt Rank under their training and instruction, but he is gaining so much more. He is learning the disciplines of hard work and perseverance, but also the value of honor, courtesy, and respect for those around him and also for himself. Second Degree Rank is right around the corner! I would recommend Martial Arts for anyone, but especially for any child with sensory or motor deficits, this is a great way to fill some of those gaps and also to help build confidence and give them a sense of accomplishment and achievement.

The journey to success may look different for everyone but one thing is certain, failure only happens the moment you decide to quit trying. #thepowerofYET

Drum Roll Please....

    
     Oh, yes he did! Beautiful way to end the week AND the quarter. 
Despite a few hiccups and personal challenges, Caleb rose above them all and finished strong. All good feedback from teachers, specifically noting consistent positive effort and participation. So proud and so very thankful!

     One thing that brings me great satisfaction is that he has begun to embrace his own academic journey.  He's advocating for himself and asking for help when needed, but he's also doing more of his work independently.  He's taking responsibility for his schedule and assignments and remembering to turn things in when they're due.  If he has needed to touch base with a teacher regarding a late or missing assignment, he did it on his own with little to no prompts from me.  These are all wonderful steps in the right direction toward a bright  and independent future.

One down, three to go! 

"I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day." 
2 Timothy 1:12