Occupational Gratitude
September 27, 2012
Noah first met his occupational therapist at summer camp. He was three-and-a-half years old and had already developed a fierce dislike of school (and any school-like activities) and a deep distrust of teachers (and any teacher-like adults). But for some reason, Ms. M___ was different. He liked her. He liked her a lot.
For over three years now, she's worked with him. First, almost daily, at preschool, then weekly. She was his anchor, the thing he looked the most forward to all week, the one person who could always — ALWAYS — coax the most and the best from him. Balance, coordination, motor planning, social skills, play skills, handwriting, attention span, self-regulation. She's encouraged him, pushed him and challenged him. But most of all she's believed in him, and loved him. Genuinely, unconditionally.
She's the first person to hear about Noah's victories and breakthroughs, big or small. She is one of his biggest cheerleaders.
She's also the first person I talk to when I'm having a rough time, or need ideas or strategies or some empathy from someone who gets it. Or maybe just to geek out about The Hunger Games. She's kind of been my cheerleader, too.
Yesterday she told me that she's moving on. She's resigned. She's accepted a new job somewhere else, and the countdown to Noah's final session has begun.
We both cried. She cried the hardest.
I haven't told Noah yet. God. That's going to suck.
The good news is that I know Ms. M___ and I are going be awesome friends now, and that she's not really going anywhere. Except maybe to our house, and my couch, since we'll allowed to hang out and drink wine and play with Noah in the backyard.
And you know? It's time. It really is. Noah's doing great. Beyond great, really. And other kids deserve to be great now too. I wish I could tell those kids and their families that man, you guys, you're so lucky.
You're about to meet the person who is going to change your life.
SNIFF.
Beautiful. What a thrill it must be for her to see your boy do so well. I love that he had her in his life and that she will continue to be there as a friend.
Waaaaaahhhhhh!
I'm glad that you'll get to move into a less professional relationship stage with Ms. , but her replacement has big shoes to fill!
I said it on Twitter, but I will say it again...This makes me proud to read as an OT. I love love love seeing how great our impact can be on a child.
Should have read this BEFORE putting on eye makeup. Teachers who become friends and drinking buddies are the best though!
You made me cry, again. Oh how I wish my son had received the attention and support that your family has and how I love reading that you KNOW how lucky you are to have connected with folks like M. My son is 37 and will always struggle with issues that could have been modified/learned with the diagnoses and services that are now, thankfully, available.
We just said goodbye to our OT in August. Sky has adjusted well, but I really miss him. It helps a lot to have someone who knows what you're going through! Ironically, his moving on might bring him back to us for First Steps for Stow, and it reminds me that somehow all of this is going to work out.
http://www.momintwocultures.com/2012/06/in-which-we-learn-to-adapt-over-and.html
One of my best friends is a mom whose kid was in my third grade class 6 years ago. It's wonderful to know you'll keep the relationship, in differet, richer form. Go, Noah!
Well shit.. it's really dusty in here or something because I just teared up. :(
My son aged out of EI this summer and it was so hard for me not to sob when we said goodbye to all 5 of his workers and therapists. Especially the one he loved the most who'd been with him since he was a tiny thing who could not speak and spent most sessions crying and yelling.
At the end of the last session with each of them we just said a basic goodbye. I know they do this all the time and they know how to be professional about it. But each time, as soon as the door closed, I just broke down and cried.
It was time for us, too. My son is doing so amazingly well. He talks and talks and does not stop. But it's time for other kids to get this amazing help. And I can only hope they love them as much as we did.
*Blinks furiously*
It's raining on my face!
I don't even know this wonderful OT, but this made me cry, especially your text to her. I'm so happy that you get to call her your friend.
So inspiring. I love hearing about Noah's growth and progress.
That's sad... it's like the end of an era. At least, as you said, she's not really going anywhere and Noah doesn't have to face that big, scary thought of, "I'll never see her again."
So glad the two of you connected and are friends. :)
As a teacher, I see the magic worked by the OT at my school and how much she believes in and cheers on my kids. God bless all our related services angels! Mrs. M. will always be right over Noah's shoulder.
It is so sad when amazing therapists go. But so amazing when they make that transition from therapist to friend. We have an amazing OT as well. We are thrilled that she stayed with us from EI to CPSE. When she went on maternity leave last year, I thought I was going to lose my mind. Consistency is so important for kids, especially SN kids.
to quote my 3yr old nephew who was helping me to make a salad & I was chopping onions "I don't know why this water is falling out of the front of my face"
We had to say goodbye to our beloved OT when we moved this summer. I have already called her twice just to talk! I never realized how integral she was to me, not just my son! Love that she is not going anywhere. Hugs!
Reading this on carline and you've reduced me to ugly cry. I hope Mae gets a therapist like this, oh how I hope!
Sniff. Thank you for sharing this Amy, it was truly lovely to read this and realize just how far your son has come.
Ohhhhh I feel you! Hugs! I cried off and on for a week when my son's first ABA therapist moved! She was our rock!
Oh, goodness, this made me cry! My nephew had his own Ms. M (I have to wonder if it's the same lady) and her final session with him was this past summer. We happened to be visiting the day of his last session. She brought an activity my nephew and my son could do together, then we took my son outside while Adam and Ms. M had their final session. And then the entire family cried for a pretty long time and I might have broken into my mother in law's emergency supply of refrigerated merlot (Beggers can't be choosers). I'm so glad there are Ms. Ms out there to change lives. GO NOAH!
one of my biggest fears: losing our OT or ST that my son ADORES.
Noah's my lighthouse.
Your blog was the first one I stumbled upon 4 years ago when I google SPD and speech delay.
My Moose is far more severe, but seeing Noah come so far, and you, Amy, sharing so openly, has helped me more than conversations with close friends.
Thank you. Again.
Um...right now I have something in my eye and I can't swallow. BRB.
Just wondering if you have heard of HANDLE and how it can help dyspraxia. Judith Bluestone developed and pioneered it in the USA. We have an interview about it on our site, by chance.
Wonderful to hear what an impact one person can have. How inspiring!