Monday, July 05, 2010

He Did It!

It has been a hectic month--mostly fun... maybe a little bittersweet as well. Tom is set for better and for.... adventure...

Yeah, that's what we'll call it.

Gotta admit after reading this post by Bill Peace I have my fears. We did the best we could to set him up to succeed as himself. He knows himself--strengths and needs. He self-advocates and understands that there might be processes for getting things done (he has been at his IEP meetings since 5th grade.) He has the benefits of technology at his disposal and there is a disability assistance office on his campus who may have some ideas for him in a pinch, but this is the big leagues....

Overall, I am optimistic. He is, for the most part, a secure and resilient individual. He is undeterred by other people's attitudes. And he's a good guy, he looks out for others.

I'm very proud of him.

And I miss the towheaded toddler with the blue football tucked under his arm who bowed deeply after banging away on his toy piano as if our family room were Carnegie Hall...

Goofy kid--it's been a pleasure!

(I tried to upload a video for this... it says it failed yet still appears to be loading??? We shall see!)

7 comments:

Ruth said...

Congratulations Tom- and Mom :)

karen rothfus said...

Congrat's to Tom and to you....You both succeeded and will only continue.

Terri said...

Thanks Ruth and Karen! He sang "My Way" at the graduation... sniff, sniff... blubber, blubber!

I tried to post the video, but it just wouldn't post... oh well. It was a very nice event. And orientation for college is NEXT WEEK!

william Peace said...

I would not worry too much--the key to success is self advocacy. A powerful supporter among faculty or administration is helpful too. As for the disability service coordinator, expect nothing. There job is not to help but ensure the university fills out the correct paper work so they cannot be sued.

Anonymous said...

Heartfelt congratulations, Terri! The swell of pride is well-mixed with the investment of love. I know it well. Barbara

karen rothfus said...

OMGosh "My way" would have put me over the edge too. It is my hubby's favorite song and I can see where it would fit Tom to a T.

Now that you have ALL this free time lol jking, you can start on that book full of insights and tips to help underachieving parents like myself :)

Rena said...

Congratulations!!!!! What an achievement.