December 5, 2011

Welcome to the Club

Right on schedule, my every-other-Monday post at Support for Special Needs is up. Go read my current thoughts on community within the world of disability, at least from this parent's perspective. My feelings have changed a bit over the years. Well, it happens.

By the way, Schuyler just walked over to my desk and gave me a message for everyone who said such nice things about her percussion performance video. She said, and I quote, "Thank you for watching." So there you go.

2003, the day after Schuyler's diagnosis

9 comments:

Sabrina Steyling said...

You're welcome, Schuyler! :)

StaceyEsq said...

Another great post, which brought back all the fear and emotion when our son was newly diagnosed as deaf. He's nearly 10, mainstreamed and cochlear-implanted -- a happy and hard-working boy. Even now, it's hard not to wonder what his life would have been like had he not received this diagnosis. But I believe with all my being that he wouldn't be the boy he is today -- sweet, affectionate, gentle. He may well have been other things, but his hearing loss has informed his personality and temperament and that is the boy that I love unconditionally. I wish I had realized this back when he was diagnosed. If there's anything to impart to parents of newly diagnosed special needs children, I hope it's acceptance and embracement of the child you've been given the gift of raising.

Amy said...

That was an amazing article. I'm so grateful for your writing. Thank you.

kris said...

I just watched the vid for the first time and cried. What an amazing thing...and from the big, scary, daunting middle school, no less! Way to go, Schuyler! I am massively proud of you. Keep up the great work!

Elizabeth said...

Powerful photo -- it speaks way more than words.

Ellen said...

I am impressed. Seriously impressed. Schuyler was terrific as was the whole group.

I've been to a lot of beginning band concerts in my time. This one was good. They began and ended at the same time and you could tell what they were playing. Students were generally on the beat. I neither had the urge to cover my ears or to laugh.

Go, Schuyler! Go, group!

farmwifetwo said...

You said it perfectly.

Sorry, my internet isn't fast enough to watch the video but I do hope you had a great time.

Unknown said...

I am going to go find the video now...I know my Sam would LOVE to see her play music!

Pammy Sue said...

Hi Rob! It's been a while since I've been here. This picture of you two is too sweet. This is how I always picture Schuyler in my mind when I think of her. I'm startled every time I see a real-time picture of her and she's so grown-up looking! It's amazing how she is changing so fast. I'm very sorry to hear that her seizures are more frequent. Although you were expecting it, it's never easy when it actually happens. My heart swells and my eyes tear up at the same time when I think of your little family with such big love.

Sammi is still doing great...she's fat and happy just like me. ;)

Pam