Elliot's First Day at Brigh1 School

Today was El's first day at Brigh1. We left the house earlier than usual, and somewhat more stressed...did we have everything he would need? Would we be there on time? Anxiety about how he might respond.....

Like always, my fears were unfounded. He gravitated immediately to the large store of toys, and the rocking horse, which I knew he'd love when we toured.

I asked so many questions, and knew immediately, "Yes, I am that Pain-in-the-Ass parent. Nice to meet you. I will always be this way. Get used to it."

There were 4 other children with a wide-range of issues: two with cochlear implants (available only for children with bilateral deafness), one with CP, like El and a hearing aide, and another child who seemed hard of hearing. 5 kids. 5 teachers (among them two 8th grade boys getting service hours. Really cool BIG BOYS for El to admire). LOTS of attention.

In the first 10 minutes there, I learned the signs for boat, plane, train, car, and bus, as Elliot attended to a puzzle on transportation with a teacher. With each completed piece, the teacher would prompt him to sign "more." Since he did this so readily (Yes, with both hands), she would prompt him to sign "please" as well, letting me know that when he knows one sign, push him to do two.

We left after I was satisfied that he would be loved, stimulated, safe...and he let us go. My tears came as we closed the door. I've never really left Elliot. He's always been just down the hall from me. I took the job at Abeona House because I needed to work, and needed to be in tune with his therapies. Soon after I learned that there were so many other players with something to give to our Elliot. This first day was another example of that.

When we came back, he was happy, and didn't want to leave. We sat and played a game of audiotory bingo, and played some instruments. It was a real adjustment getting used to how LOUD the music was played.

I enjoyed spending time with Elliot's new friends. Each of them different, with their own challenges. Each of them beautiful, and loved, and happy to be in a space where they are learning at their own pace with others who understand. What blessings we have in our life, always seeing the adage of "it takes a village to raise a child" at work, and slowly letting our son go, into the world.