A Reminder

Today was a very emotional day for me.  Matt and I spent the morning visiting 2 school options for Waverly this fall.  She is technically starting kindergarten, so as we create her IEP we wanted to see the various class options that are available.  We already know that a mainstream classroom is not the best environment for her.  So we visited a self-contained class in an elementary school for children with moderate to severe special needs.  We also visited the Kilmer Center.  It is an incredible school exclusively for children with very severe disabilities.  

We knew going in that the Kilmer Center would most likely not be the best choice for Wavey next year, but we thought that down the road this would be a wonderful resource.  From the moment I walked in the Kilmer Center's front door I choked back the tears.  And as we took a tour with the principal and explored the different classes and met the students, I was overwhelmed by what the future holds for my kids.  The last classroom we visited contained the youngest students and I saw a little girl flapping her hand in just the same way as Waverly.  I burst into tears and I had to leave.  Wavey's preschool teacher accompanied us and she followed me out.  She gave me a big hug and said that she can't imagine how scary this is for us.

Moments later I saw my happy, smiling little girl.  She is still walking (although quite clumsily) and she is singing her beautiful songs.  She smiles and laughs all of the time.  She is such a happy little girl.  But I couldn't help but look ahead to all of the terrible changes in store and cry.

Comments

Misty said…
It is so very difficult to look into those innocent eyes as we know the future. These times happen to all of us, it is a harsh reality...enjoy today. I know you get sick of that but taht is all I have!! Love the new photo of Wavey, Misty
Unknown said…
Shannon, prayers being lifted for you guys. I'm so sorry you have moments like that where you glimpse the future. I will pray for moments of "now" for you, that you have such joy and happiness in your kids in this moment. Bless you guys.
Hummel Family said…
praying for you still!!!!!
kelly said…
i hear your lament friend...
Joanne said…
Shannon,

I am so sorry that you had to have a day like you had yesterday. Those days are just so difficult and painful. I hope you have many good years with your 2 children ahead of you, and that in the meantime a cure can be found so that perhaps we all never have to experience that kind of a tomorrow. My thoughts are with you, Joanne
Anonymous said…
I am thinking of you. I wish I had the words that would make you feel better, but please know there are so many praying for you and how much your strength is shining through in your words.
Anonymous said…
I can't imagine.....you are so strong.
Cheryl Ezell said…
Shannon,
I read your families story in the Taylor magazine and my heart just goes out to you. I can't even imagine what you are going through now nor what you will have to go through in the future. You are a wonderful testimony to those who are also hurting. I'm sending your "Welcome to Holland" to someone I know who has a child with a severe disability.
Know you are being prayed for and you will continue to be lifted up to the Father.

Cheryl ~ TU '81
Jon and Shelly said…
We are praying for you to feel God's comfort as you struggle through these difficult days and times.
Oh Shannon,
how incredibly difficult it must have been for you. I am praying that you continue to find the strength you need to deal with these scary situations involving your children. You are such an amazing mom. You are truly an inspiration.
Still praying for you. You have a great gift in being able to enjoy the present and what you have now, even if what you have now isn't what you hoped or dreamed for. If only we could all do that as well as you do.
Heidi said…
You guys are in my thoughts every day. I think about both of your kids being so loving and plopping right down on my lap and making themselves at home. :) I hate that you are going through this. I wish I had words to comfort you.

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