Finally! Sam is going back to school. For awhile I really thought that she was just going to stay at home forever. But this week was a major breakthrough. Not only did she go back but she picked a whole different school to go back to. She is officially a 13 year old high schooler. Not because she finished the other grades. Not because we thought it best for her. She is there because she chose to go there.
The other day I had her ready to go and she piled in the truck and we were off to the middle school. As soon as we got close to the school I heard " Miranda's school" coming from the backseat. Taken back a little, I thought, why not. So on I drove to the high school figuring that any school was going to do the trick for right now. When we got there Sam had no hesitation as she headed into the building. She was right at home with her new found school.
What amazed me the most was her calmness as she settled in with the other kids. After all, she hadn't met most of the kids that were there, or the aides of the classroom. She didn't need to be transitioned into the class at all. She was completely fine. Everything that the specialists will tell you that needs to happen for a move like this did not happen. Sam had made up her mind and that was that! What a great feeling it was to see and sense her relaxation. I think Sam is feeling really good about herself right now.
Vick and I have our own thoughts on why Sam has made the change. We feel the biggest reason being her sister Miranda. The two of them are very close even if they don't hang out with each other that often. Most of that is due to the nature of the disability. Now that the two of them are in the same school again, Miranda has told me that she will be able to see Sam whenever possible. I don't think Sam could have asked for a better bigger sister than the one she has. They are lucky to have each other.
I can't tell you the joy that we feel about this milestone. Her ability to make a decision of this magnitude is large. Being able to cope with a huge change without any transitioning is a big sign of her progress. I think Sam is starting to come into her own. This progress has definitely reassured Vick and I that we made a great decision in bringing our kids to a school that they both like and are getting the education that they need.
Weightloss update. 9 lbs so far this month!
Sam and Miranda in their element.
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