PROUD MOMENTS™

This article starts a new column entitled Proud Moments. Proud Moments can be any time that you have been extremely proud of your child with special needs. It can be when they are giving it their all or reaching a milestone. You may feel you can only share your excitement or enthusiasm with someone that will really understand. We certainly understand. We are encouraging you to please share a proud moment with us for this next issue!

Earlier this week, I was Blessed with a moment that maybe only comes around once in a great while. I was feeling really stressed about an upcoming mid-term exam that I was having in my World History class. I had to do good because the grade on the test could either “make or break me”.  In any event, I woke up that Wednesday a little uneasy and honestly nervous. Today was the day, so I grabbed a bowl and started making oatmeal. As I was doing so, I looked over at Julia sitting at the bar also enjoying the oatmeal. She looks to me and says: “Stephanie, why are you eating oatmeal”? I explained to her that there is something in oatmeal that fills you up throughout the day and it helps you to remember things. She looked a little confused and said “why do you need it”? I told her about the test I was about to take in class. Now, by this time, I would have been telling Julia to be quiet and eat because it was early and I was still tired. However, I didn’t this time. Surprisingly, I just stood there and answered all the remaining questions she had. After a long pause she says “Stephanie, did you pray about the test?” I looked to her and said “no Julia, I didn’t”. Before I could say anything she said “can we pray together?” As I stood there dumbfounded, I shook my head. I am shocked because Julia has a learning disability that she was diagnosed with at a young age and normally doesn’t understand when people are worried about things.  Julia folds her hands and bows her head and begins her prayer. It was a beautiful prayer and after that she tells me not to worry. She told me I was smart and that I could do it if I tried. She said that she believed in me and that I should take deep breathes if that didn’t help. I told her thank you and continued on with making breakfast. I walked away feeling instantly better and less worried. I found out later that week that I passed with a 93% on my overall grade for the test.  I believe Julia was the cause of that. I came home later and told my mom about the previous morning. I told her how touched I was that Julia was so considerate and compassionate about my feelings toward the test. This was truly an amazingly proud moment that I will be forever thankful for.   ~Proud big sister, Stephanie Talent  

I read about Top Soccer for the first time in the Parenting Special Needs magazine. I want to thank them for making me aware of an opportunity that has blessed us with countless smiles! You see, my daughter, Lindsey, has always wanted to play soccer, so when I heard they were having signups for Top Soccer in our area, I rushed to sign her up, but was nervous that even this may be be too overwhelming, and she would not participate. Today, though, my fears of this were replaced with excitement and happiness, as I watched my daughter give me the thumbs up sign at practice after she scored two goals!

Lindsey has told me she is having a great time, and it puts joy in my heart to see her out there having fun, getting exercise, and gaining the confidence she was in desperate need of.  The buddy they have picked for her is a perfect match and has played a big part in making this a wonderful experience.  We are so grateful for this opportunity that has been provided to us!  ~Jennie Lyon

Here goes...I home school my special needs 12 year old, so needless to say, when I have errands to run, from the Post Office to the grocery store, she comes with me.
 
A few weeks ago while at Publix, I noticed that the deli area was crowded with customers.  I instructed my daughter to go and take a number and wait for me while I selected some canned tuna.  By the time I found the right tuna and headed to the deli my daughter was talking to the deli lady.  I thought "Oh no...she cut in line!!".  When I approached her from behind I checked the number she had in her hand and it matched the "now serving" number!  Then without knowing that I was there, she tells the deli lady that her mom wants 1/2 pound of publix sweet ham.  

I had tears in my eyes as I watched her carry out the entire transaction on her own.  The deli lady was super and when she saw me said that Kate was a great customer.  From now on, she handles the deli order.  I am so proud of her! ~ Dani Schaller

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