10 things I'm thankful for "End of school year" edition.

Yesterday was Sophia's last day of school. It was a very emotional day since we were saying good bye to most of the role model kids who are moving up to kindergarten and to Lauren, Sophia's 1 on 1. I always give a little present to all the teachers and therapists that help Sophia to get as far as she has. This year I took a picture of Sophia with a sign and made greeting card with it where I wrote why I was so thankful for each one of them. I also baked chocolate chip cookies and put them in cute little boxes.

 For Lauren I wanted something special and I made a nice collage with pictures of Sophia and her from day 1 two years ago to last week.

I wanted to show them how much I appreciate what they have done for Sophia and that they have played a very important part in Sophia's progress.

Having said that, here is this week's list:

1. Our town's school district:  From the principal to the secretaries have shown us that Sophia's well being and progress are very important for them. On the very first meeting we had with the principal, he said: "Everything that Sophia needs to reach her potential, she will get" and they have kept that promise. I know this is not always the case for most SN families, we are so fortunate!
2. Sophia's head teacher, Eileen: She has respected my opinions and has listened to my concerns, I really value that. I know that Sophia is safe and taken care of when she is at school because Eileen is there.
3. The other aides in the classroom, Theresa and Pam: They are very nice and love Sophia very much, when Lauren is out, one of them takes over and makes sure Sophia eats well and has everything she needs.
4. All of the therapists, PT, OT and ST: Every one of them has a special relationship with Sophia and I have good communication with all of them and we work together as a team where the only goal is to help Sophia get better and better each day.
5. Lauren: I am going to miss her so much but I am thankful for the two years she spend with us as Sophia's 1 on 1. I am glad my daughter got to meet her and benefit from Lauren's loving care.
6. Summer school:  Sophia starts summer school in one week, she is going to have all her therapies there and  there's going to be familiar faces around which is always reassuring.
7. Sophia's 1 on 1 during the summer: Her name is Dona and she has worked with Sophia during the last two summers. She is very nice and she took the time to meet up with Eileen to know what Sophia has been working on and to get all of the same communication boards and toys that she has been using this year.
8. Sophia's classmates: Both, the role models and the other special needs kids are very nice to Sophia, it's as if Sophia is the star of the classroom, the girls used to fight to see who got to sit right next to Sophia! Every morning, all the kids would say 'hi' and compliment on how cute Sophia looked in her outfit or what a beautiful smile she has. I am so thankful that none of the kids tried to bully her, ever!
9. My creativity: That's right! I said it! It was hard though, but I have to admit that I am thankful that I could come up with a nice card for the teachers and therapists to show how much I appreciate them. They really loved it!
10. This blog hop: I am never going to stop being thankful for the chance to participate on this link up. I need to remind myself every week that there are a lot things to be thankful for.

See you next week.