Isabelle has been enjoying day camp. Like most kids, she comes home exhausted. There’s no way I could get her to sit with me to do her speech work at 4:00 p.m. after a day in the sun and heat. (And it’s been hot and humid this summer!) Therefore, we’ve been doing her speech work after breakfast, before we leave for camp, every weekday morning.
After breakfast, she asked to sit on my lap (what’s left of it now that I’m on the cusp of my eighth month of pregnancy.) We sat together and sang songs, like “Trot Old Joe,” for a few minutes. Then, it was time to practice. And you know what? This morning, I decided it’s not fair. While she rarely complains about sitting down with me and the iPad at 8:00 a.m., I felt angry. I wished we could sit together and sing songs, but I knew we had to start practicing.
It’s been a little over three years since her Apraxia diagnosis and we still work on her talking EVERY SINGLE DAY. And while she’s made enormous strides and can communicate with others, it struck me this morning that she’s worked harder at the age of five-and-a-half than most kids her age! I know this will serve her well in life. She’s got grit, determination, and a better work ethic than many adults. But it’s still not fair.
This morning, just before we fired up Articulation Station on the iPad, I said to her, “I want to take a picture of you sitting here and working beside me.”
“Why, Mommy?”
“Because I want you to know, when you get older, how hard you worked for every word you have. I’m so proud of you and how you never quit.”
We’re worked on /s/ blends and initial /th/ sounds this morning. Here’s a listen into part of our practice session.
Raising Literate Humans 
This is a touching slice, Stacey. You’re right that she is working and harder than others. Kudos to you and her. She’s a precious little girl. Glad you could enjoy your time together and share this memory.
I got a little weepy when you said “Because I want you to know, when you get older, how hard you worked for every word you have. I’m so proud of you and how you never quit.”
YES to living in the moment. YES to appreciating all of the hard work you and Isabelle have put into this. YES! YES! YES! Love this slice, Stacey!
The commitment you two show is admirable. You both should be proud. The way you handled your feelings and commented to isabelle show deep care and love.
You both are working hard and it is definitely paying off. You are right, though. It is not fair.
Such a great piece. You are teaching her so much more than words. Valuable lessons and time together. So glad you stopped and recognized the dedication of both of you.
You’re so right about the hard work Isabelle has done, Stacey. I will also say that those students I’ve had who have had to do some “extra” work in their lives did have a work ethic to be proud of. They were always great students! Thanks for reminding that many students have to spend extra time in their learning.
This post made me proud to know you. Isabelle is who she is because of the care and time you have given her. What a blessing she is!
Your words are brave and honest here Stacey. I remember once hearing a definition about fairness that explained it as we don’t all get the same thing but we all get what we need. I’m thinking about those words as I read your post- because in some ways Isabelle has gotten so much of what she needs because you’ve given time, space and energy to things like speech work. On the other hand, you haven’t gotten what you always need, and you haven’t been able to give her everything you wish for her in terms of unstructured time. Finding the balance must feel like a challenge. You’re a good mom.
I LOVE when you said she has “grit, determination, and a better work ethic than many adults” and yes she should be so, so proud of herself! Good for you for being her strongest cheerleader . . . what a great slice!
I hope the picture also reminds Isabelle of the powerful, loving words you shared with her! Her efforts will be rewarded; and she’ll always know you were in her corner all along!!!
Stacey,
So glad you took time out for a “selfie celebration” and named Isabella’s success! She’s so fortunate to have such a caring mom who provides such a variety of learning environments! ❤
““Because I want you to know, when you get older, how hard you worked for every word you have. I’m so proud of you and how you never quit.” …Heart-moving and strength-filled words….
How lovely to take the time to really appreciate and recognize a small moment that happens over and over for you and Isabelle that shows so much about you both!