Dream Big...and Then Get to Work

G and R, not just dreaming

We all want our kids to dream big.  Mine talk about becoming vets, inventors, artists, teachers, hairdressers or amusement park designers, depending on the day.  But there's a lot to learn before a dream can become a reality, and for kids with special needs, it can sometimes be hard to imagine getting from here to there.

11 yo G graduated from her special ed elementary school class today, where for the past 2 years her teachers and therapists have poured their expertise and efforts into building her foundation.  G is reading, writing, and doing math, problem solving and thinking creatively, learning to work both under pressure and simply for the pleasure of it, in a way we only dreamed of before.  She is enjoying using her new skills, whether in writing an email or making origami or pancakes, calculating the tip on a restaurant bill or shooting baskets.   She knows now by working hard she can achieve mastery over things she wants to do.  It is now no longer a leap to imagine her one day making a diagnosis or discovery, or teaching a child how to take on the world.

To all the teachers, therapists, aides, and coaches who do this work, to the administrators who manage with shrinking resources, to the legislators and funders who make special education a priority, thank you.  Thank you for allowing our kids to not only dream big, but to learn exactly how to make those dreams come true.