The understanding that we have gained as parents and as a family about different learning styles, the impact of stress, the interconnectedness of our family and each of our roles through this has been tremendous. We wouldn’t be where we are in terms of understanding diversity and celebrating strengths in differences, as well as acknowledging, understanding, accepting our feelings and working with the behavioural manifestations of those feelings had it not been for us being forced to look this all directly in the face through my son’s journey.

We don’t get to decide where the chapter begins and ends.

For our family, the storm has settled. Almost calmed completely. But with a big, beautiful family the tide can change quickly as other storms pick up. We are quietly picking up our reserves, and filling our tank as we are in this for the long run.

Be present. When it is calm, take it all in and appreciate each moment of it. When it is treacherous, hold on, reach out for help and know that this storm too shall pass.

Did the diagnosis solve anything? Nope. But it helped us understand our child better. Is this the end of the chapter? Maybe, maybe not. As with all of our children, we will always be looking out for patterns and ways that they are showing us that they could use an extra hand. And we are here for it all.

Where are things at now? I had a meeting with his team at the school after we had put in place the supports that he needed. We saw a complete turn around and I sat there thinking that I didn’t even need to be there, because his classroom teacher was sharing exactly what I would have shared. We were in contact and on the same page. I left that meeting in tears when she said to me-
“Devorah, this is just the beginning. It is going to continue to get better from here”.

Whichever stage you are along this journey, know that you are not the first to take this path. Know that there are people around you who care deeply about your child’s and your family’s success. Find them and let them support you, before you know it, you’ll be doing the same for someone else.

I can’t believe that we have come to the end of this blog series. It has been a pleasure to share and connect through this journey with you. You know where to find me if you want to delve deeper into any section.

You’ve got this!

Looking forward to chatting again soon,

Devorah T.