Bittersweet week coming up..

DS is turning 3 a week from Friday.

This year has been an absolutel whirlwind for us. Between finally getting him started with EI in January and then getting his diagnosis later in the month, I feel like we're just getting started with all of this.

Next week we say goodbye to some of the most amazing therapists and I am really so sad about it. DS asks for them all by name daily and I don't know how to explain to him that he won't see them anymore. Instead he's going to have to adjust to a whole new group of people at his new school. I'm heartbroken for him. On the other hand, I don't know how to thank these women who have essentially given me a way to communicate with my son. They have changed our lives so dramatically, there are no words to thank them enough. Especially for all of the additional time they all took to help us through this sometimes daunting process. How do you say goodbye to these people?

Re: Bittersweet week coming up..

I absolutely understand. My DS will be going to full day preschool next year. I have had these women in my life for over a year. They are amazing. I hope to keep in touch with them. I bet they would love to hear about his progress whether it's next year or 10-years from now. I am thankful for email. I plan on updating them each step of the way. They have been such an important part of our lives and we are forever grateful.

Now I have to figure out some gifts! What do you give to people who have given you and your family so much? Decisions, Decisions.

Re: Bittersweet week coming up..

It was bitter sweet for us too. We had been with some of them for 1.5+ year. It was like "ok good bye. Good luck!". It was just weird to see people several times a week for so long and then they just leave not only your house but your family. They were part of our daily routines. We had 8 therapists for DS and 1 social worker.

Since DS was also going to get home services, I was able to retained 1 that had worked with us from the beginning. I started a new one over the Summer before school started so everyhing would not be too new for him.

Otherwise, we stay in touch with 1 of them that is no longer doing therapy with him.

Re: Bittersweet week coming up..

I cried and cried for weeks leading up to it, particularly for his main therapist who he spent the most time with.

The day we said goodbye was hard for me. Not sure DS really understood. I tried as hard as I could to convey to her how much a special part of our lives she has been. I'm not sure I could ever really explain it.

We still keep in touch.

And since then my son has worked with some more amazing therapists.

Good luck and Happy Birthday to your "baby" boy!

Re: Bittersweet week coming up..

My niece's therapists were amazing and my niece LOVED them. They are so good with her. One of them even helped her to prepare her for walking down the aisle for my wedding. She came to the wedding and was there if my niece needed help.
My niece's mom (m y sister) and I both keep in touch with one of her therapists on facebook so we keep her posted on the amazing preogress my iece has made.

Re: Bittersweet week coming up..

It was so hard to say goodbye to my DS' therapists!
Then, my DD was born!
I 100% requested the same PT and the same Special Ed teacher for her! It's nice to have them back.

We've been through a few speech therapists and I could NOT be any happier with the one we have now! I can't even imagine the day we all say goodbye! Uugggh the tears again are gonna be unreal!
(we are thinking of starting DD in a program in Jan).

Message edited 5/26/2011 12:45:51 PM.