War Has Turned To Peace

~ NickyB.

When I think back to MJ’s first few years of therapy, it reminds me of a war movie.   It was MJ against his therapists! Any therapist! He would scream, run away, throw things, and cry for the ENTIRE SESSION.  We would always make sure we got to the appointments on time and only on time. We could not get there early because MJ would totally destroy the waiting area. It used to be torture sitting there and watching the “combat” taking place.  It would totally take us to a sad, defeated place. 

 Have times changed! Yesterday MJ had his re-evaluation at the physical therapist’s office.  He was cooperative and allowed the therapist to do her job.  He did all activities asked of him, answered questions the best that he could, and was overall very pleasant.  When it came time for me to answer questions about home life, he sat quietly  and colored until we were done.  This past year he has met the goal of trying at least 3 new foods.  He also met the goal of being able to fasten and clasp all types buttons and zippers.  When the therapist asked me about the goal we had of him making some of his own meals, I laughed.  Is she serious? I told her that he will try to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich only when we force him to.  She also asked about the dreaded shoe laces and we both agreed that is a goal we need to continue for this year.  I’ll get the final results next week after she calculates how he did on some of the tests she administered.  I find myself once again reflecting and being extremely grateful that there is no more “war” when it comes to therapy.  It has finally become…Peace. 

  

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22 thoughts on “War Has Turned To Peace”

  7. Way to go, MJ (and Nicky!)! My middle guy is 13yrs old and has been on an IEP since he was 3. I remember those early evaluations, parent surveys, etc. One question was, “What does D love?” My answer, me- his mom. Every day we walked the long hallway to his integrated preschool together… he always wore a baseball hat, favorite sport’s team shirt, and had me by his side. For several years it felt like me and D tackling the world together. When we started this journey, I thought- “oh, he’ll need a few months of speech therapy.” I quickly adjusted my thinking and it remains, “as long as he’s moving forward, may take a bit longer, but as long as he keeps moving forward.” Now, 10 yrs later, still on an IEP but advocating for himself, great group of friends, involved in after school activities, and doing the typical, “Moooooommmmmm” + eyeroll, which is music to my ears. 😉 Congrats again to you and MJ! Can’t wait to see what goals he meets in the upcoming year!

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