I Can Breathe.

We are officially 2 months in to the school year. It's Tayler's 1st year of pre-school. And today was our first parent-teacher conference ever.

When we have meetings with Tayler's teachers like the one we had today, it reaffirms every decision we have ever made for her. I'll admit, I was a nervous wreck walking in to the classroom. Unfortunately, when your child is special needs, most of the time you hear what he/she cannot do. It weighs heavy on a parent when you're bombarded consistently with the fact that your child cannot communicate verbally, has low comprehension skills, does not like spending time with others, etc. 

BUT it was a breath of fresh air in our parent-teacher conference today. The first thing we heard was: We love Tayler so much. *ding, ding* Loving our daughter is the key thing. Loving her ensures that patience will come a little easier. This is why I think there's a special kind of people that become teachers. You have to be packed full of love for kids that are not your own. Kids that will test you every day. Kids that aren't always 'easy' to love. We hit the jackpot with the group of teachers/techs, etc. that work with Tayler every day. 

Next, we heard about how she is developing in her listening skills; how she sits still on the carpet during rest time and plays with toys quietly; how she is making friends; how she knows her alphabet; how she is learning patience. 

We heard what she CAN DO. CAN. Not can't. 

My heart was so full.

But what happened next reassured me that these women are treasures in our life.

One teacher began crying and said, 'God gave us this little girl for a reason and we are grateful for it every day.'

When we were looking at preschool programs for our daughter 6 months ago, this is what we desired and I am so thankful that we found it. It was a long search with some tears, but today made us realize that Tayler is exactly where she's supposed to be. We are exactly where we are supposed to be.

Not only are we in love with the school and staff, but we are also grateful for the tech that has been assigned to her. She goes everywhere with Tayler to ensure that she is safe, following directions, clean, etc. She is one of the most patience, passive people I have met and we are truly blessed to have her caring for our daughter. She is watching videos and learning everything she can about Autism, how to handle it, etc. She is going above and beyond... not because she's paid to... because she loves our daughter. What more could two parents ask for?

Now, I know at the end of the day that we have a ton of progress to make, but to hear that we are making progress when we were told a year ago that Tayler wouldn't retain anymore knowledge means more to us than you'll probably ever know. She won't retain any new knowledge, but she can spell her name, say the alphabet, sing about 25 new songs, open and unlock doors, count to 20. (Hint of sarcasm there, LOL)

I needed today.

So many times I feel so burdened. Tayler is not a burden. But the daily dealings of Autism weigh me down. I just want the best for her. I want her to have the best life she can have with all of the resources possible. I want everyone surrounding her to be believing in her and pushing her. And I feel like we are there.

Today.. I can breathe.