Abby update - April 9

Well, I've done it again--let another late night slip up on me. It's easy to do when when we start the day with homeschool, Wimberley school, and San Marcos school, and then tack on some speech therapy, basketball and volleyball practice, music practice, a baseball game, and concession stand duty. Now, I'll admit that schedule includes activities for two kids, but, still, there's only one of me!! (And my sidekick, Gordon).

Actually, I decided to see a little more of what Abby's schedule feels like today. She was just really reluctant about heading to Wimberley Junior High this morning, so I asked if she'd like for me to accompany her to her classes. That seemed to make her feel better, so I tagged along, welcoming the opportunity to get a feel for what that setting is like for her.

I think I have a better empathy for her anxieties now. While Taylor Schaede has been so wonderful in helping her get started each day, the friends that she occasionally encounters there are glad to see her, and many of the staff there are very sensitive to her needs, I think she still feels like she is in a unfamiliar setting, surrounded mainly by strangers, trying to keep up with a unfamiliar schedule. That may be true for any kid in a new school, but for Abby right now learning new patterns and schedules is difficult, schoolwork is more stressful, and forming new friendships is more awkward.

The situation is just the opposite back at Hill Country Christian School. Abby is so happy to arrive there every day, she speaks to everyone, knows her way around, participates in everything, and every student, from little 2nd graders to big seniors, seem to find ways to encourage her. At Wimberley Junior High she feels all alone, while at HCCS she feels surrounded by love.

I think we'll be reassessing these school decisions this week and trying to find a different approach that fits Abby's educational needs, but also fits her emotional needs. I think we may need to challenge institutions to get creative, but that's their job--to educate individuals in the best way possible. We also have appointments with Abby's rehab doctor and neuropsychologist this week, so perhaps we can tap their insight as well. I sometimes feel selfish continuing to ask for your prayers for so many little things along the way, but, still...please pray for us and for Abby in these decisions.

And we, in turn, are praying for you...
Love,
-the Linams