A day I never thought would happen!

How do you put in words the emotions of reaching a goal you never thought would happen? How do you control the tears when your child rises above what you hoped for?

Four years ago, I joined many of my friends as we registered our babies for kindergarten. I imagined the first day. I dreamed of school pictures, PTA meetings and class parties. Less then a month later those dreams were dashed when the doctors informed me that Alex was not well enough to go to school. For the past 4 years I have joyfully homeschooled Alex. I have loved every precious minute with my boy as I watched him learn and grow. But there was always a touch of sadness each August as the kids all headed back to school. For us, there were no first day of school pictures. No new friends made in class. No report cards to brag about.

Totally unexpectedly, today those dreams came true. Today, I am proud to present Alex's first day of school pictures!!!!!

So how did this come to be? After a pretty good year Alex's doctors decided he was well enough to go to one half day of school a week. To me sending him one half day a week didn't make sense or accomplish the goals we all have for him. After talking to some of my closest friends and brainstorming, I envisioned the perfect plan. However, I never thought we would get the school or district to agree. Alex's school has been INCREDIBLE! From the first day I stepped foot in the office and spoke to the principal they have embraced Alex. The principal has cried with me and vowed to fit "a lifetime of experiences" in the short time he is in school. We met this past Tuesday to make it official. Alex will be on campus about 3 hours a week. He will go to library, PE and computer. All his choice. We will continue to do our academics at home. It is the perfect compromise. The best of both worlds!

Alex went yesterday and met his class. His teacher has been fabulous...warm and inviting, caring and compassionate, so accomodating. She has a plan to let Alex skype into class several times a week so he can participate in class without the ramifications of being in school. Here are some pictures from his meeting yesterday!

 

 

Oh and to make things even more perfect...Mimi and PopPop are here visiting so Mimi has been able to participate in all these firsts. Whoever imagines they'll be walking their child to his first day of school in November when they are eight. It is just so special. This is not a day we ever thought we would experience. And because I forgot, here are a few halloween pictures.

We ask that you lift Alex up in prayer as he begins this new journey...that it is everything we hope for and more. We also pray his health holds up. We also ask that you continue to pray for Bruce to find the perfect job. Thank you for loving my boy and following the journey of our crazy life.
Ali