Taking a break from writing fiction for a bit, I wanted to share this raw and rare post. As authors, our stories stem from our daily lives, and this process requires honesty at every turn.
So here’s a bit of honesty for you –
I just left my grandson’s preschool open house. He led me by the hand to the classroom he recognized from last year. His teachers greeted him with warm hugs as they exchanged giggles. They’ve clearly missed each other.
The walls of his classroom were decorated in primary colors that spotlighted an airplane theme throughout the entire school.
Soar!
The rug on the floor displayed a circle for each student to sit in front of a massive touch-screen television. Logan quickly found his spot in the center from last year and repeatedly tried to urge his teachers to change the channel away from the teacher introductions that rotated across the screen.
Seats had already been assigned at tiny desks, with each student’s name fastened in bold print across the top. Soon, busy, uncoordinated fingers would be practicing those exact letters over and over again. Logan’s desk was at the end, nestled in a corner away from the door.
Safe!
He passed on the opportunity to sit in his chair and decorate a foam picture frame. In fact, he chose not to sit in any chair at all. Instead, he nudged me into his seat so I could see for myself how awesome his view of the world truly was.
Hanging from the ceiling was a three-dimensional cloud, with suitcase cards labeled as ‘baggage claim’ items—a clever way to request school supplies for the year.
I asked his favorite teacher’s aid, Miss Amanda, which ones Logan could use.
The answer?
Shaving cream to practice dexterity.
Dry-erase pens to experiment with writing.
Got it.
You see, Logan can’t fully practice his letters.
Not yet, anyway.
Supply!
For Logan, goals are created and measured differently.
Excitement sparkled in his eyes, though he never uttered a word.
So far, Logan can’t speak.
Not yet, anyway.
But he definitely gets his point across. He demonstrated his excitement by spinning in circles or bouncing up and down. At one point, Logan bent over at the waist to prop his head against the floor. From this view, he studied people’s feet as they entered the room. To him, this is hilarious.
Logan cuddled with his favorite teddy bear, Blue Beary, and made sure everyone got to meet him. Blue Beary is well known in these hallways. Technically, he’s starting his second year of preschool as well.
Logan seemed to understand that he (and Blue Beary) would soon be entering that same classroom two days a week. He craves the structure, support, and routine that are readily available to him within these walls.
Spoken!
Logan is our four-year-old special needs grandson. He’s rare and quite special. He hovers around 25 pounds, the size of a two-year-old, and is quite small for his age. His rare syndrome (Rubinstein-Taybi, known as RTS) can affect all systems within his little body, from his mind to his eyes to his feet.
But he’s also got a Tootsie and a sea of prayer warriors that cover him from his head to his toes.
Long past his preschool years, I need to know that he’ll be okay; that no one will ever hurt him and he can always find the help he needs.
As my mind grasps for long-term solutions to medical issues I can barely pronounce, it creates a constant tug-of-war with my unprepared heart. To protect Logan at all costs, I must embrace a future I’ll never fully comprehend.
Not yet, anyway.
Surrender!
So, where does this journey lead?
Tonight, it led me with busy, uncoordinated fingers by the hand to Miss Julie’s classroom in the back corner of North Park Elementary School.
Once there, God reminded me once again that I must trust and lean not on my own understanding.
He reminded me to be forever thankful for amazing heroes, the Miss Julies and Miss Amandas of the world, who are willing to find ways to connect to Logan on his level. And then, helps us learn to do the same.
And the children? Those three and four-year-old angels who readily accept him as he is? They are so protective of Logan and take the time to show him how to safely use the slide, guide him in the right direction down the hall, and even make sure Blue Beary never gets left behind.
Share!
To witness this process in person is breathtaking, heartwarming, and humbling.
From what we’ve witnessed, there is no fear in preschool. Only bravery, unselfishness, and heroes of all shapes and sizes.
Life is simple here. Every moment is worth celebrating as all children learn to stretch their wings.
Preschool is a place where EVERYONE can truly soar. Even the special ones.
Serve!
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Janet Morris Grimes
For additional information on Janet, visit her website.
