This Halloween started out like any other day. But as the day unfolded, I got confirmation that it was one of Juliana’s best days of Pre-K thus far. Juliana is not walking independently yet so we are working on her balance and strengthening her core. On most occasions, she’ll take steps when she feels like it. It has also been challenging to get her on the right track with transitioning from a room or moving on to different activities.
When I picked her up last Thursday, her teacher was glowing. She proceeded to tell me about Juliana’s day. The big deal included just about everything we’ve been working on. How she listens; responding when being addressed; and walking when she is supposed to. During circle time, Juliana decided to get on point and stay there. As she was seated in her chair and her name was called, she rose accordingly to go get an object from her teacher who sat about six feet away. Okay! This is huge! No prompting, no coaxing, no nudging from behind from the teaching assistant. She did this several times during the day. And because she liked it so much she kept doing it. Her teacher reported that the kids in class were excited and baffled to see Juliana up and about. Honestly, I am so filled with joy that I am tearing up even as I type this.
Now, if you have a child who has walked and continues to walk without fail this may not seem like a big deal. Angels (the common term for those with Angelman’s Syndrome) will generally begin to walk anytime between ages 3-9. This calls for a lot of patience and yes, some days your back aches from a lot of bending, stooping and lifting. You think I care? Not really, because for as long a span that it may seem, we know she will walk eventually. Tick, tock, tick, tock. Lots of patience needed. No fainting allowed.
I received this great report four days ago and I am still smiling about it. I have no idea what prompted Juliana to get up from her chair and hike it over to her teacher, but I’m glad that she did. Perhaps it was the anticipation of Trick or Treats and knowing that she would become a bee that night. Her costume turned out to be so fitting. Our little bee was very busy on October 31st.
This is the type of success that keeps me going. I got up expecting just an ordinary day; instead I got extraordinary. How awesome is that? What success has come your way lately? Care to share?
I am so proud of Juliana!!!!! That is huge what she has done!!! I believe with all my heart that Juliana will walk on her own one day. I am so happy to hear how well she is doing. Its amazing to me reading this. She has come so far and has made such great progress!
Yes she has! And we know that she will be an independent walker. Since she is doing so well in class, the teacher is working to keep her in her seat. She loves walking around during storytime–when she should be in her seat. LOL.