November 17, 2022
We Have IEP Wounds
I read a post this morning from the amazing Jillian Benfield about IEP Wounds. I believe everyone should read it.
And I believe that words come into our lives at the exact moments we need to read them and feel them.
I felt the tears start to fall this morning while I simultaneously nodded along with her words.
I’m not going to rewrite what she wrote because she said it perfectly. But here is what I want to tell you.
After yesterday, I, me, my husband, our son, we have IEP wounds. Deep ones. Ones that I am not sure we will recover from anytime soon.
Wounds that mean no sleep and a stomach in knots and wondering how our child could be so disliked and how are we going to teach him.
Wounds that you have you questioning everything.
So, here is what I want to say. To every parent who has an IEP wound, because I know I am not alone.
I am so sorry.
I am sorry if you were made to feel like your child is a monster.
I am sorry if your child is unliked.
I am sorry if your child is not included.
I am sorry if you were made to feel like he isn’t welcome in school.
I am sorry if you cried.
I am sorry if you felt uncomfortable or unheard.
I am sorry if you feel like a failure.
I am sorry if someone doesn’t see your child’s value.
I am sorry if you felt ganged up on.
I am sorry if they are not following the IEP. I am sorry if your child is not getting a fair and appropriate public education.
I am sorry if things were said that you cannot unhear. And they keep replaying over and over in your head.
Please know, that I see you and how hard you are fighting. I see your child and how amazing they are. I see their value in this world. And believe me when I say there is a place for them. They will belong. They will be liked and loved and treasured. It just may take a while to find it.
Today is day one. And we are starting fresh. And sometimes, our lowest point is the best new beginning.
I see you. I see your wounds.
