Last Day of PPCD

Well, today is the last day for Hannah at Franklin Elementary. She has no idea although I've been talking about it for a month. She just can't comprehend it, and I can't seem to figure out how to convey it on her level. She will miss it alot. She loves her Mrs. GiGi, Ms. Crystal, Ms. Angie, Mrs. Wheeler and Mrs. Garrett. And oh how she'll miss her little friends. Layne, Alexis, Eric, Israel, Tony, Ceasar, Oscar, and Charlie. Those are just the people that had direct contact with her. I know that she'll also miss the teachers that told her "good morning" everyday when she got out of the van, the cafeteria ladies, and so many more that touched her life.

I'm very thankful that our first special needs school experience was with the staff at Franklin. Every one of them were so kind, gracious, helpful, and truly cared for Hannah. She loves them and they love her. I have no doubt about that. I wish she could stay with them forever.

It's really hard to trust people to care for her. There are so many unknowns. I mean she can't be left to fend for herself. She has to have help. I could trust that she was never going to be without the help she needed at Franklin. Now, it's time to move to the next school. I met the staff and toured the school, but still I'm uneasy. I'm sure there is no way to be at ease when so much of your world revolves around routine and absolute management of life. So many things to worry about. Will someone be there to walk her to PE and stay with her and help her participate, or will she be dropped off and be expected to participate on the same level as the kids that are there? The same goes for lunch, art, music, and recess. Will the new staff be as gracious with my questions and concerns? Will they treat me with respect or dismiss me with a wave of the hand? Those are just the beginning. Then you add in all the health concerns and therapy concerns and well, it can be a little daunting.

But she has to grow up. I can't keep her in a box. She would be miserable in a box. She loves people, learning, and just being Hannah. What is a life if it can't be lived? I mean, she's fought some pretty hard battles to live. Obviously, she wants to be in this world. Who am I to hold her safely at my side? She's earned the right to be.......Hannah.

So, off to Hillsboro Elementary we'll go, and pray as we have every other time she's had to face something new. God's been faithful. He's provided for her every need. Actually he's gone above and beyond what we needed for her at times. It's amazing.

Today as Mrs. Wheeler stood to present the awards, she cried. I cried too. I know they have gotten so attached to these kids and they have to send them on. At least we as parents get to keep them and continue to see them. I hadn't thought about how hard it would be on them. She said the sweetest things. She told the other parents that they should meet us(parents) because we are special people and that it takes VERY special people to raise these kids. It felt good to be acknowleged, but for the first time I realized what a special task she as their teacher has had. She was their first experience with people outside of the homes. What an awesome responsibility. Can you imagine? These people truly are angels without halos!

Well, this post turned into alot of rambling, but I felt like sharing all that. Please continue to pray for us as we "survive" the summer.

God Bless!