I felt it very necessary to post today about someone who has been paramount to Syndey’s journey so far. Our Youth and Child worker has been with us since day one of this school. From the moment we met her she put both my husband and myself at ease. If you are attuned with people and your own intuition you understand when you get that “gut” feeling either good or bad and she most definately had us walking out of that first meeting with the school knowing that we’d all be okay. Well, she announced to me that our school is no longer one that she will be working at and honestly I felt shell shocked. Wait…no….but….we’ve gone through so much…and…..Sydney…. and ….wait…..no!!!

It felt like an old friend having to leave. Someone who you felt that you can be your true self with and no one would judge you or think badly of you. One that would give some really great advice and most importantly that would celebrate all the little steps along with you. We have come a very long way over the last three years. I will never forget in Grade One when we decided to challenge Sydney that little bit more and get her to go into the school on her own, she was watching Sydney and I from the window of the classroom. I had told her the day before to just make sure someone was out there to help me get Sydney into the school. When she realized that Sydney was no where near her line, no where near the door, having no intention of going inside, along she came and as we crossed paths briefly to do the pass off of a very upset child she whispered something in my ear that made me laugh. Despite the crying child that I left behind in the school yard (without looking back) I knew that Sydney’s best interests were at heart and that she was in good hands.

I think that’s what raising a child with any special needs is all about. It’s all about finding those people who have the ideas and patience and understanding that each day is a challenge for your child. They accept them and more so find out that they are wonderful kids. That’s what’s so special about our Youth and Child worker. Not only has she helped Sydney with so many things over the years, she’s seen her for what we do every day, “A beautiful girl who has the world in front of her but just needs a little help getting through the tough times.”

I do hope that she knows just how much she has impacted our lives for the better. Just recently I blogged about a 1-2-3 chart that she worked on with Sydney.  We use that chart every day. Each and every time she’s feeling like she’s crawling up the scale Sydney tells me “I’m a 2″. What a simple little thing but one that makes such a difference. That’s what life is all about isn’t it? Making a difference!”

Thank you doesn’t seem to say enough. But for now…thank you!

Do you have someone in your lives that has made a difference for your family? These wonderful individuals who have chosen to open up a world of possibilities for your child.  We need to make sure these amazing people are given credit and acclamation. Tell us about someone who has impacted your childs life…let’s celebrate them. I will repost all of your comments and let’s shout out to the world how important they are.

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