Gifts

Today, we had our IEP meeting for Ethan. For those that are not in the know about that particular acronym, it stands for Individual Educational Plan. I have been attending IEP meetings for the past almost 20 years; first with my son Justin who was a gifted child and now with Ethan who has developmental delays due to his early health issues as well as his institutionalization in an orphanage with less than stellar living conditions. Both children's learning was (Justin's) and will be (Ethan's) guided under what is considered exceptional student education.

Even though my two boys have fallen under that "exceptional education umbrella" for two very different reasons, in my heart I know that both have amazing gifts that will bring them far in this life. Justin has just finished his second year of law school and will be entering his final year in the fall...he is finally in the home stretch and we are so excited for him. He is about to enter his clinic (internship) in an area of law that he feels drawn to and excites him. He is also seven months away from his marriage to Judy. This is a very exciting time of life for him.

Ethan is just beginning his educational journey and I must tell you, his first year could not have had a better outcome. He has not only met but he has exceeded the goals that the educators had for him. It would not be an understatement to say that he has blown them out of the water!! This has been awe inspiring as our little man came to us in pretty sad shape. He was emaciated, had severe oral defensiveness to the point that his primary nutrition at 2 years 4 months came from a bottle, had tremendous gross motor delays, no speech to speak of and sensory integration disorder. He is now a robust, strong, non stop talking "mischief man" who loves to eat and is a joy and a love beyond measure. He can drive us to distraction with all of his antics but as far as development goes, he is doing wonderfully. When we first arrived home and had him assessed in 11/07 he was about a nine month old in terms of development. When we entered him in the PLACE preschool program through early intervention, his teacher estimated him at less two years developmentally, even though he was over three and now the teacher estimates him as pretty much spot on for his almost 4 years of age. Her exact words were that she has some "fine tuning" to do next year but that she has no doubt that when he enters kindergarten he will be able to hold his own quite well there.

I am humbled by this child's courage and tenacity. Of all of life's gifts, I believe that these two are attributes that brought him to this point and will allow him a brighter future than even our imaginations could have ever dreamed of for him when we first adopted him. I am very thankful to his wonderful teacher and the entire exceptional student education department at his school.

Last but never least, is our Katie who is a very bright and sensitive child. She is such a love and charms everyone that she comes into contact with. Yesterday, we got her report from Preschool and she has mastered every skill level with no exception. The teachers described her year as "wonderful", her attitude as "participatory and very helpful" and very ready for 4 year old Pre-K. We are so proud of her!

I am one blessed mama. Justin, Katie Starr and Ethan; they each navigate the world in their own special ways and I know that all of them will reach their potential and find their life's mission.