2.26.2010

Roots and Wings ...


This week we, as parents, took a leap of faith. We have signed up Brett for an innovative, time intensive & expensive therapy program. There's no "healing or cure" at the end ... but the hope is that small, necessary improvements will be made which will make him more comfortable, more adjusted in the world and make learning easier. It is a therapy program designed to try and improve connections in the brain. It's complicated because the brain is complicated.

When it comes to your child's development, I don't think you want to leave any stone unturned. The nagging feeling in the back of my mind whenever I thought of not doing it, was saying ... "If you don't try this... when he's 16 and you look back and wish you did; if when he's 16 you find out that this could have worked for him; if you wonder what his life could've been like ... there is no turning back, no rewind button. You will have all that time lost." If we do this now & make positive, dramatic changes ... then we have from here on out to continue & strengthen that path. And it is those thoughts that are making it worth every sacrifice and every bit of energy it will require with that giant leap of faith.

It will be 12 weeks - 36 one hour sessions, plus "homework" every day of those 12 weeks. :{ Yikes. Hang in there with me ... I have a feeling it will zap me of my energy driving to & fro', keeping a certain brother & sister entertained in the waiting room 3 days a week, etc. For 12 weeks. On top of normal school work & speech therapy. We have only 1 day of the 36 behind us. *gulp*

We have high hopes in our little man with or without this program. He will make us proud at age 16 with or without this program. But as his parents, it is up to us to make all the right decisions for him regarding his foundation. It is up to us to give him these roots so that when he's 16, he has stronger wings.

I've decided this canvas will not be in my shop until April 2 ... Autism Awareness Day, also the day I will begin my 2010 fundraiser [cREaTing awareness] which is in honor of Brett. So if you like it ... it'll wait for you 'til then! :)

7 comments:

Lindsay - Pen and Paint said...

Beautiful painting.

Wishing the best during this process.

Jaclyn Morgan said...

LOVE that quote and your canvas is beautiful. Good luck to all of you! Let me know if there's anything we can do to help.

Dana said...

wow...is it that time of year already...where the heck did last year go? ;) i LOVE the quote you picked for that canvas!! it's awesome. i admire you rachel...you are such a wonderful roll model for so many parents...and one future one! keep up the AWESOME work!! it will all pay off in the end for you, kyle, your family and most importantly...brett! xo!

Emily Dischinger said...

You guys are absolutely amazing. I truly admire all of the work you do for not only your own child but children everywhere. Please know that if you ever need me to watch the other kiddos while you are with Brett, I'm just a phone call and a few blocks away. We are here if you need us!! You'll be in our prayers.

Nikki said...

Good for you Rachel - you & Kyle are awesome parents. Doing what you know is best for your child! Love the quote!

Karah said...

wishing you all the best in brett's new therapy classes. please keep me posted! brett is the SWEETEST child i've met! let me know if i can watch libby & davis if they're too much to handle in the waiting room! i can take them to the park with evan since it will start to get nicer out! love you!

Dawn Twenter said...

I am really proud of you and Kyle! You are an amazing mom!!