A Nice Twist of Fate

It's been a long, long summer.

Yesterday, I trooped to my son's school in the 100% humidity to meet the teacher and drop off supplies, although there was no teacher to meet since my son's teacher quit right before school started. But, the aides were there and there was a packet for me to pick up.

The school is under construction in some parts; actually it's the old buildings that have been torn down so new ones can go up. The construction was supposed to be finished by the start of school but predictably, it's not. I don't even think they are near finishing which really makes getting in and out of the school difficult.

The parking is so limited, we were asked to park in the field across the street and take the tunnel under the road to get to the school. I knew that Lib walked that tunnel to get to the field for PE and other school events but I had never walked in it myself. Well, it's like a hot, sweaty bomb shelter. It's all plywood floor and peeling paint and dimly lit. Even spookier to think of the cars rushing over the top of our heads on the busy street above.

Liberty had his first meltdown of the summer in that tunnel and I felt like having one myself.

Eventually he calmed down and there was good news awaiting when we finally got to Lib's room. The aides told me that a teacher has been hired, but she is moving here from South Carolina, so Lib will have a substitute teacher for about a week and a half. What's more, they were excited to tell me that her credentials and experience were impressive, perfect for the class, according to them. I also learned that they hired a new PE teacher who happens to be a man, which is great for Lib. They said that PE should be really fun this year. There will be six children in Lib's class instead of four like last year, but the good news is three of them talk. It's still not a bad teacher child ratio when many classes for autism in the bigger city have 13 kids in them.

Next, I got a call from the bus driver and it turns out she is our bus driver from about two years ago we really loved. She is going to be picking up and dropping off: 7:40 and 3:17. Aahh, I feel a little relief coming...

And, I got even more good news yesterday. My sister (aka ace-in-the-hole) called the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities here in town and found out that someone will come to my home and help me do a picture schedule and other things tailored to Lib's needs specifically at home, and that person will further serve as a liaison between home and school to make sure the teacher is on the same page. Now, this floored me because I talked to someone from CARD at least 2-3 years ago, and all they could offer me was materials and supplies for me to make on my own.

It also turns out as well that my sister knows the person who will come to my house personally!

So...a nice turn of events after feeling miserable for the last two or so weeks. And, I knew that while things were falling apart they were probably falling together somewhere else. I know that things usually work out for the best, but I just wish I could be stoic about everything when things are going badly. I wish I could have more faith I guess. It's hard when I'm feeling sick and my back is out which ironically is precisely the time to have faith.

A work in progress, that I am.

Anyway, I feel the tide turning. It's good. I am so ready for school to start and I know Lib is, too. I will probably be out on our curb at 5:00 AM with my binoculars scanning the horizon for a speck of yellow, excitedly jumping up and down in my pajamas.

Oh, but I will miss him, too though. We are so joined at the hip my boy and I. My swim partner. My good little shopper. My sweet, loving child who loves nothing more than to ride in the car with Mom and listen to music.

Ah yes... but the taste of sweet freedom is already upon my tongue! I am so ready for a break.

And, I deserve it.