Autism and an amazing E.A.

   
    A few weeks ago, Caleb's amazing E.A. wrote a post for me about Autism at School. Find it here if you'd like to read it! 

    And so it is with a very, very sad (but happy) heart that I announce that Leslie has been offered (and accepted) a job within the School Board, and will no longer be working with Caleb starting in the new year.    
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Caleb (and another student he chose) out at Tim Hortons with Leslie. She told him if he got a hair cut (which he hates!), she would take him out for hot chocolate(which he loves!)!

   Last night as Caleb went to bed, and we did his prayers, I prayed for his next day of school as I usually do, but then I could't stop crying thinking of how far he has come  because of Leslie's love and dedication to his education and overall well-being. Heck, I can't stop crying now! 
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Caleb singing the national anthem in front of the class.

     I have concerns about Caleb as he moves on because change can be so difficult for a person with Autism. They thrive on sameness (which is why with even a slight change they can fall apart so easily). This makes change scary for those with Autism, and also for us who care for them because we don't want to see them so upset and confused. Will he adapt and change with this new chapter in his life?  

    I have concerns about his education too. Leslie pushed Caleb to do more, to learn more, to be more-because she knew he could! Caleb is honestly (honestly) so much more advanced than we thought he would be at this point in his life. We had hopes for him, but with Leslie's help, he reached those goals sooner than expected! 

     I will take this moment to say that his school (principal, additional E.A's, and his  teachers) all really love him too, and want the best for him. But (I'm sure we can all agree and relate) there are always some special people in our lives who make us better people-Leslie is that for Caleb.
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Using the iPad to work on a project (regarding time telling devices)-you can see Caleb's "garden clock" there.

     I find myself stepping out into this grey area of newness with so much anxiety, but also with a sense that God is asking me to trust that He loves Caleb more than my husband or I, or Leslie, and believe that He will keep helping Caleb grow into the person He made him to be. 
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The wonderful Leslie

    To Leslie: To say that we simply love you would be a dramatic understatement! You were the answer to many prayers, and I can't even imagine who Caleb would be today without you in his life. He is so cheeky, and knows how to push buttons. He is also so smart, and bright and giving. He is so multi-faceted, and you helped him understand himself, his emotions, the world around him, and make each part of him shine with your challenges, persistence, faith in him, and love. 
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     I'm glad we are friends, and that you won't be gone from our lives all-together, and I honestly wish you all the best in this new adventure that you so deserve! You are amazing!! 

xoxo
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