about proximity

She looked at me from a plastic picnic table in the church nursery.

“I think Josiah has a speech impairment.”

Tears defensively sprang up in my eyes. He had been talking forever, how could she not see that?

I sat in an early childhood center and watched a speech therapist observe Josiah. This had nothing to do with how long he had been talking. While our family and those close to him could understand him, no one else could.

Yes, he would definitely qualify for speech therapy services. I sat at a little table with my three year old completing the steps of an IEP (Individualized Education Program.) Hands down, this was the best thing we could have done for our son. He had two years of therapy under his belt before he began school this year. Now, he continues. I’m so thankful for each of the women who has been his therapist, for their kindness and expertise. I’m thankful for all the tools they give us to help Josiah. I went back to my church nursery friend and thanked her (tears in my eyes again) for having the courage to help me as a Mom.

Everyone has weaknesses. Asking for help is courageous. Somehow as a young Mom my initial reaction was a pervading feeling of inadequacy. Maybe I hadn’t talked to him enough and modeled proper speech patterns. We have all been there. I was certain this was a reflection of something I had done wrong.

Luckily, I had friends and parents who talked me through this transition.

Why is it so hard to admit our weaknesses? How would the world change if we were just honest and opened the door a crack for others to do the same?

We are frangible {readily or easily broken}. God is not. 

My mind has been swirling with ideas the last week. I want to give about proximity the care that a specialist would with an IEP. I want to give you tools to make a difference. I want to do the work so response is easy! I know you are all pulled from a million different directions. 

I am hoping you might answer some questions for feedback on the facebook page this week. You are one of the voices that guides my writing projects. I’m so thankful for you. I’ll be asking one question each day this week. 

(I’ve had some talented guests speak to the issue of disability awareness. Kindness: To Listen To Understand, and Children’s Books about Disabilities.)

Josiah works until we understand what he is saying, no matter how long it takes (sometimes it takes a long time.)

Suit up and don’t give up!