Well, Anthony had his first day at school today. It's not his first day ever, because he used to go to public school when we lived downtown and he was in kindergarten, or was kindergarten-aged, but mostly it is his first day. Mike and I took him together, which is nice, because although either of us could have taken him, I wanted him to know that we were a team on this, and everything. I don't really know that Anthony would blame ME if he didn't like it or think that I didn't believe in him if just Mike took him, so anyway I am glad we could both go. We met his program manager in the parking lot, so we all walked in together. Someone, I'm not sure who, said "is this Anthony?" when we walked in, and came over and high fived him, and asked how our trip was, so I guess she was on the conference call but I have no idea who she was. She was nice, whoever she was, so I don't care.
We walked to his classroom and met the teacher, she was as cute as ever, but kind of all business too, with Anthony. She showed him his cubby, and where he should sit. I mean - where he should SIT! At a desk! Mike and I were like, good luck with that! We said goodbye and beat it, I was feeling kind of nervous that I would start to cry and that is not the image I want to leave with Anthony. But then we got LOST, totally turned around in that damned school, and then we saw a woman I know from Maria's school, she just started working there, and it was a little hairy. I mean, we couldn't have gotten too lost, it's basically a big circle, but I felt dumb.
We saw the nurse and gave her his paperwork and then we left. Mike went to work and I went to the park and lunch with the girls and then at 3:25 I went to get him. You have to park and go in the media center (library) and I waited and then his teacher brought him. He looked happy to see me. She said they had a great morning but the afternoon was crazy, which, um, I could have told her because his therapist was there all morning! But she seemed very optimistic, so I am going to be, too.
We are going to bring him all week and then maybe next week we'll start dropping him off and maybe the week after that we will have him take the bus home. It seems like all the bad shit that goes on with kids with autism goes down on the bus but it is going to be impossible for me to get the girls at 3:15 and get him at 3:25 so the bus it is! He will have an aid on the bus, so I think it will be okay. We'll see. I'll be glad when those girls start school, so I can have some time to think. As it was, I barely had time to worry today, so crazy are they making me.
2 comments:
Probably just as well that you had no time to worry!
I just want you to know that I read your blog every time you post and I am so angry that Anthony was denied services. I am proud of you for speaking up for what he needs. You and your husband are great parents for all of your kids but you are amazing in how you advocate for your son.
Hang in there and know there are people out in the Interworld thinking of you and caring.
so glad to hear the 1st day unknowns are out of the way...so proud of Anthony, and you and Mike! I'm happy to hear he'll have an aid on the bus..hope that helps your stress about it. Prayers and hugs!! Love you all.
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