It takes a village

Yesterday I was reminded how many people are involved in Ian's life, and how important they are to me as well as him.

Since we had a two hour delay, I was dressed when Ian's bus came to pick him up.  Ms. Vivian and Ms. Julie are the driver and aide.  We've known them for several years, and they are a great team.  They care so much for the kids that are put in their care every day.  I went out to say hello (and to make sure Ian didn't jump in the big puddle in the ditch!) and they told me how well Ian was doing lately.  There had been problems earlier in the year, but they adjusted things and made it work for him.  I am so grateful for their care and attention.

Ian on the bus

Ian had a doctor's appointment yesterday afternoon that made it necessary for me to pick him up from school.  One of the classroom aides, Mrs. Hines, brought him up to the office.  This woman is fantastic.  She loves Ian and puts up with a lot from him since she has to make him do a lot of his work.  A few weeks ago Ian was very bad and hit her.  I made him type an apology note.  Even though it is part of her job, I knew it had to hurt her feelings.  Goodness knows, she doesn't make much money.  She is one of those amazing people who does the work because she loves the children.  I gave her a hug as we were leaving and told her I appreciate every thing she does for Ian.  I hope that helps the next time he misbehaves!

Ian with Mrs. Hines on a field trip

Our appointment was with Dr. M. who does Ian's medications.  We have a routine at this office where Ian will get a magazine from the rack while I sign him in.  He then takes the magazine out into a hallway area and waits.  Without fail, he has always picked up the Sports Illustrated magazines.  I don't know why, he just does.  And he has done this for years.  It is part of THE ROUTINE.  Yesterday, no Sports Illustrated.  And I had not brought the iPad.  And we were early and Dr. M. tends to run late.  I braced myself for trouble as I tried to get him to look at other magazines or the newspaper. (no, no, NO!)

Awesome.  Well, he handled it better than I expected, thank goodness.  I am so happy he is not a major tantrum thrower!

I am so happy we found Dr. M.  She is so sweet and smart, and she has true compassion.  She is not a Fragile X expert, but she has read everything I give her and has educated herself about it.  If I have a concern, she listens.  She explains what the meds do and don't do.  She is thoroughly professional.  Ian mainly just sits there as we talk, and yesterday he got kind of snippy when asked to get on the scale.  But, he tolerates the appointments and I know he likes Dr. M. is his own way.  Did I mention she is stunningly beautiful?  Seriously.  She is Indian and looks like a Disney princess.  Even at 7 months pregnant, she looks amazing.  I know my boy.  If she wasn't so pretty and sweet, things might be a lot different on these visits.

There are many other people who are part of our village.  Every day I give thanks for them all.