I am overboard with Samuel’s graduation. Is he the first to graduate, NOPE! If you don’t know where our journey started from and the many corners that this road has taken us, you’ll never understand my need to celebrate every millisecond of his success wholeheartedly. If you have never seen the many side eyes we have endured, if you have never heard the comments, if you have never seen people shift away as he attempted to interact, if you have never seen people look with fear as he comes near them, if you have never heard people come to you to ask the most ridiculous questions about your child, if parents of the children your child started with have never convey to you that your child could not be in the same class as their child because it was assumed that he could never be taking college or university courses, if you have never heard ‘I know a boy that has autism but he is better than Sam’, if you have never had to continuously advocate for your child just for basic human need, if you have never seen your child shed those silent tears with no words to express himself and if you have never found it difficult to find mental health professional to support your child through challenging times because there is no specialist with qualification in dealing with his areas of need., then you may never understand my source of my excitement.
This moment … this graduation season… has brought memories – both positive and not-so-positive. I thought his graduation was going to lead to alot of crying however I didn’t cry during the ceremony, it’s the quiet moment that brought tears. Not of sorrow but just an overwhelming need to release all the tension and finally take deep breaths. I have cried when I think about those who have supported him. I have cried about our difficult times and I have cried about our many many successes.
The journey to Samuel’s graduation started the first moment I dropped him off at a mini-private school where they quietly expelled him. To the care of Ms Z, where he was showered with love by the children as the baby of the group. Then off to Elementary and I remember his first day when all the kids were crying, I was crying and Samuel walked away without looking back. The moment I realized that my child was going to a world that was out of sight for me. Then I remember the many calls to pick him up because of behavior issues, I remember the longest potty trainining ever. I remember his time in class being reduced to an hour a day and I had to sit with him in the class. I remember when everyone was going into grade 1 but Samuel didn’t get into school till about 2 months later because his Home School could not accommodate him at that time. I remember the many Journeys through grades 1 to 6 and how amazing the educators (Mr F and Ms. J) were. I remember Ms. P, her husband, grandbabies, and especially her grandson. I remember how they loved my son and her need to always elevate her banana whenever Samuel was around. I remember Family Daycare family and how much the educators poured into Samuel. I also remember how i had to advocate all the way to grade 12 for him. I remember the many obstacles, the many challenges, and the many stumbles.
Oh! My Prince Aaron – the one person I don’t speak much about. Aaron was my Samuel whisperer. He knew what Samuel wanted even without him saying a word. He was my partner during the clock changes when 6 pm would suddenly look dark and he would have to help to get Samuel through the meltdown and support him as I drive us home. I remember road closures and the meltdown when i would have to take a new route home. When Samuel was on a strict diet, Aaron would go without or hide to eat his snacks just to avoid enticing Aaron. Thank you Aaron for just being you. You are the just gold in our sight.
Samuel is someone that has poured so much into me. Samuel also has an aura that is difficult to explain. Anyone that does not love Samuel has a problem that cannot be explained or cured. EVERYONE LOVES SAMUEL – STATEMENT OF FACT. Samuel is kind, thoughtful, generous, respectful, happy, and such an advocate of his loved ones. Samuel does not joke with his siblings, myself, or his dad; he is passionate about anything we are passionate about. Samuel is someone who will freely support anything you wish to do as long as it doesn’t negatively impact anyone else.
One thing I will take away from Samuel’s success is my decision to eliminate anyone who cannot speak positively to and about him regardless of his behavior. Everyone who knows me is aware that I am extremely protective of Samuel (and his siblings). I am also not an advocate of ‘it takes a village rule’ because I know the village cannot love him unconditionally during his meltdowns, during his stemming time, or his behavioural challenges.
As Samuel rounds up the year, here are a few things that he has done this year:
- Samuel volunteered as an assistant coach for his H.S Junior basketball team
- Samuel did his co-op program at an elementary school near his school and they spoke super highly of him
- Samuel started co-op with a support person walking him to and from school (there is a light crossing between his H.S and the elementary) and during March break, he learned to cross by himself and maintained that till the end of school
- Samuel went to his first semi-formal and had a great time
- Samuel went to prom and had a blast
- Samuel applied himself and graduated on time with great grades.
Samuel not only received his High School diploma yesterday, he also won an award and cash price.
Congratulations Samuel and thank you for choosing me to go on this journey with you.
Looking forward to the next level of learning
High School is done and dusted folks.
Fabulous!