Home of the Four Trans

So…

The school Justin is attending isn’t any ol’ school. Of course not, because Mr. Justin always gets star treatment (he does!). Justin is enrolled in a pre-school program offered by Interventional Center for Early Childhood (ICEC). This program is designed for children who are developmentally delayed, and the service is paid for by our local Regional Center.

I am grateful that we have access to this program. Justin has many therapists and early childhood trained teachers at his disposal. The teachers and therapists set up a themed curriculum each day where all the activities emphasize that theme. The first day was about “Back to School,” and the second was “All About Me.” The activities are categorized and separated into stations: fine motor, gross motor, cognitive, music, oral motor, speech, etc. All the lessons incorporate social skills such as listening, taking turns, asking for things, etc. While rotating through the stations, Justin also has access to his peers. I am hoping that he will learn by mimicking as well.

All the children in the program are delayed in some way, although not all have a definitive diagnosis. Some may just be delayed in one area of development, while others have many challenges that pertain to a certain diagnosis such as Down Syndrome.

Now, the topic of Justin’s developmental delay (in all areas) may be an uncomfortable one for some to discuss with me, for whatever reason. But, let me tell you, I am not at all shy about expressing my thoughts about it. First and foremost, I am so proud of my son. He’s been through so much in his little life and still…just look at him. He’s a hard worker, motivated, and bright eyed. Second, it’s hard for me to see how delayed he is, especially when he’s not among his peers (like in Mommy and Me classes). I’ve grown to see the way he cruises and scoots as ‘normal’ for him; I’ve grown accustomed to him using his left hand as the dominant hand for everything. Third, I tend to look at his many achievements than at what he’s yet to accomplish. Considering what he’s been through, I think he’s amazing.

However, when I do see how different he is in his inability to walk independently or talk like other 2 year olds do, I get worried. As a mother, I will love my child for all that he is until the end of time, and there is nothing more I’d rather do than to protect him. At the same time, I realize that my time is limited, and as much as I’d like to protect and care for him, there comes a time when I will have to let go.

But, rarely do I contemplate about this ‘difference’…because rarely do I contemplate about the future. There is an immediate battle we must tend to, and that is keeping him well and healthy for the less immediate but near battle of the third surgery. Any thought of future surgeries weighs my heart heavy enough.

Some may call me short sighted for not pushing Justin enough to regain his abilities (which cannot be fully recovered) lost from the stroke. Some may call me a worry wart or pessimist. The way I see it, we’re doing the best we can with what we got. As much as I want to enroll Justin in various programs (HBOT or CIMT) to increase his skills, I need to enforce a sense of balance in his life. Justin is a kid, and I want him to enjoy what he can while he can. When the time comes, all will be as it should, I believe this. The light years between now and the future is too far and wide–many things can still happen, especially with that surgery ahead of us. The future is too far away to plan for. For now, Justin is making progress, is motivated, lovable, and happy. Really, this is amazing. Amazing.

So, I suppose how ’sad’ Justin’s situation is really all depends on the eye of the beholder. And, you know, I can only see him the way a mother could.

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 24th, 2009 at 12:47 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.