Like I have mentioned before, life is a challenge. It doesn't matter if you add a special needs person to the mix, it still throws punches and expects you to handle them properly. "Excuses be gone" should be given top priority. So that being said I am back to telling my tale of my life that is surrounded by my special angel.
I have never seen Steph happier than when she was in high school. Her teacher, Mrs. Kim was the apple of her eye. She performed for her and I use the word performed because Steph seems to have an actress hidden within her. She gave her best whenever Mrs. K. was around. Leave the room and have her be left with an aide...Not on your life! She became independent around the high school and could be trusted to run errands. Most of the students at the school dealt with Steph and the way she would approach them while in the halls. She thought everyone was her friend and everyone liked her. She attended the football games and went to Homecoming with a classmate.
Graduation brought tears to my eyes as I watched her walk in the procession with the rest of the seniors. You knew she was coming as there was this huge gap in the line! Her partner was very attentive of her and everyone waited behind her. It was very touching. She raised her hand and gave "thumbs up" when she walked past us. I couldn't have been prouder. Little did she know that the end was in store.
I once saw on you tube a Downs Syndrome man trying to go back to his school after he graduated only to find the doors locked and everyone gone. It was so sad to hear in his voice how much he missed it. That is exactly how Steph feels everyday. She would give anything to be back in high school doing what she did best, just hanging out! She stayed until she turned 21 and failed the transition part. My hopes are that someday someone will realize that people with Downs only want to be part of this world not of this world and create for them a better quality of life after high school. Steph landed in what our community calls "Step-Up". It is run by the Adult Education department here and where as it may be acceptable to some it sure doesn't suit Steph. She never really wanted to be with people her type, just the "normal" kids! So I will leave today and continue tomorrow with the never ending battle of trying to see life through Steph's eyes and relate them as I see it.
Somewhere along this route I will be talking about "IEP's because they are and important factor in our school life. The "Transition" factor is another topic for discussion at a later date also, but for now I will continue on the life of Steph to date.
Hugs
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