Mamas, All Will Be Okay
Preschool graduation…onto Kindergarten.
Probably doesn’t sound like a big deal to most, but let me tell you about our Jack.
From the very beginning of his diagnosis, I have felt compelled to be a voice, an advocate for not only him, but all diagnosed with ASD. To share stories of our experiences, of our life, in hopes to raise awareness and acceptance of autism.
Almost 2 years ago now, Jack was accepted into an amazing special needs program, that also runs in the summers as well – so year round Jack works HARD. He had center-based therapy, in-home therapy and specialized one-on-one teachers. Also, this past year he was slowly working up his time in the typical pre-school classroom and spending time playing and working with his peers.
This last part was huge for Jack. This meant we were working towards graduating preschool and from this specialized Special education program and onto Kindergarten where Jack could finally be in town with his siblings. We were ALL so looking forward to that.
Now, we aren’t quite sure what the future holds. Like the rest of us, Jack’s world has been turned upside down over the past few months. Only for Jack, when he finally is able to “get back to normal,” it certainly will not be easy to pick up where he left off.
I found myself stressing a lot and feeling guilty over this in the last couple of weeks. But I came to realize that there is SO much out of our control right now, and Jack’s education is part of that.
Some days, we get through our work, schoolwork, meals and the gazillion snacks (oh the snacking!) just fine. Other days are survival mode for this household. And I realized that Jack is learning so much more than I even can imagine right now – on so many different levels. I need to embrace that right now – if even just for my own sanity.
So, whether Jack graduates preschool and from his Special education program as we had hoped and planned OR if we come to find out he needs another year, all will be ok.
All will be ok.
Either way, I’m celebrating all the hard work he continues to put in and all that he is learning in this crazy, upside down world right now.
Written by, Vanessa France
Vanessa France is a working mama of 4 children – ages 9, 8, 6 and 3. She’s a self proclaimed hot-mess mom trying her best to raise polite and happy humans all while documenting the beautiful, messy world of motherhood on social media. Vanessa works in Hospice full-time and runs her own skincare business on the side with Rodan + Fields, where she loves to share amazing products and a work from home business opportunity with others looking for more. You can follow Vanessa on Facebook, on Instagram, for her skincare line and on her website.
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Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.
