Amazing Graces and the light brightens for Abby

Yesterday was my monthly Amazing Graces meeting. We are a group of parents with special needs children. Some having learning differences, some have medical issues and all deserve our love, support and advocacy. I have gained so much appreciation for these children by hearing the stories from their parents. I almost feel like my daughter's needs are not severe enough for the group and perhaps I really shouldn't be there, but I need to be there because I need to learn more about what the other families are struggling with. I need to know what their challenges are because I must learn to appreciate life more.

I always feel more hopeful after the meeting. I feel more empowered which is important because next Wednesday I meet with Abby's principal. I plan on giving him insight into the silent masses of students who show up everyday and still end up with below passing grades. I want him to take notice of the teacher's responsibility to reach out to the students and admit they fail them because of their refusal to do so. I want teachers to become mentors to the students, to build trust with the students, and to modify their teaching style when necessary. 

Sure a teacher could suggest that perhaps kids, like Abby, are not capable of a rigorous college prep schooling, but I'd have to laugh at them. She is the poster child of La Salle's failure to teach because she is flippin' bright. She probably outscored many of them on her IQ test and her college entrance exams. Now what are you going to throw at me? She's bright. She's not being reached. She desperately wants to do well and to not be talked down to anymore by your staff. She wants to go to college but this college prep school we've paid through the nose for is standing in her way. More than anything, she loves her high school and friends, but is totally burned out on the treatment (or mistreatment) she receives at the hands of some of her teachers. They are aware of her challenges, but still, they just shrug their shoulders. I'm not going to war with the staff. I'm going to appeal to their Christian philosophy of teaching to the poor (only you can't be poor and attend this lasallian school)...this time poor is to be defined as "poor in ability to sit for seven hours and deal with staff untrained in compassion for diverse learners". Wish me luck.

But, the light did brighten for Abby. Her AP Bio class attended a very early morning lung surgery at Providence Hospital yesterday. The surgery itself was graphic and Abby didn't much enjoy that part, but afterwards different professionals came to discuss their role in the procedure. There was surgeon, the nurse, the anesthesiologist, and a social worker. Abby lit up when the social worker began describing her job. That is it! Abby thought. I want to work at the hospital as a social worker! How fascinating. She came home bubbling over.

I was so happy she has found something that gives her a bit of direction. She is a caring, compassionate girl. This is a perfect calling for her. Now to find the right university for her. That is our next hurdle. : )