Slow and steady wins the race.

Lately, i have needed some light in the tunnel , that little pick me up that gives me a kick in the hind quarters to keep me looking forward. I need the odd battle to go my way, to remind me that i am on track and not to give up on the human race. I swear sometimes i walk among the idiots. Today, that certain sunshine came in the form of approved occupational therapy for my boy at school. Something we applied for, like everything else though, it is a "process". Did i mention that i now hate that word?

The application went in to an outside agency to come in and provide fine motor skill therapy to Spencer once a week while at school. So again we waited and waited. Today, while at speech with Spence, the office called to do the "phone interview". One thing i have now developed through all of trials and tribulations, is my ability to sell. Hell, i could unload igloos in Tahiti...and make a ton of money doing it. I have become that good. After many many applications to this service, or that program, you learn the ins and outs of the "process". You prepare yourself by learning how to word things on questionnaires, and you mentally run through and practice for the phone interviews. When you realize that your words can ultimately impact whether or not your child receives service, you really learn to work up the most fantastic sales pitch. You learn to use your child's issues and good points to your advantage, much like you would if you were selling a car. Sad i know, but completely true. When your child is turned down or deemed too young or not "appropriate" for a program, its a really hard pill to swallow. You wonder what you said or did wrong for them to be rejected. You review every answer, wonder what made your baby's issues less important than someone else's child. You get angry, you want to scream and yell at all the idiots. Not very productive though, and professionals tend to take you more seriously if you have your wits about you. SO for me, i focus on my own speech. Creating powerful words that entice people to want to help us. Researching, offering facts that will make it very difficult for people to look me in the eye and justify why they won't give my kid a break. Then to go in for the jugular...i hit the emotional button. I make them see my boy as a sweet kid that they are letting down. Manipulative? Absolutely....but you do what you have to so you aren't always the the one coming in last at the finish line. Everyday, I am learning. Today, was evidence that i am making progress.

SO during the phone interview, within the first few seconds, I knew i was on the line. The woman was wavering, i could tell. I heard the usual "Well we don't usually offer this service until around 7". Sooooo...i tell myself--- "Jessica...deep breath in and here we go". I tell her every detail about his progress, behavioral overview, his involvement in services. I make it clear that i am a parent who works well with professionals and will do any follow up work that they recommend. Another thing I have learned, professionals want to know that parents are on board and will support any programming that they create. This was not lip service, as i do any "homework" that we are given. Anyhow, I go on to point out what a sweet boy he is, and that he is not overly oppositional. This is where i need people to see him as a person, and not a case file that is strewn all over their desk. Then i start with my argument around school. I told her that Spencer already has the bricks stacked against him with his speech issues, social skills issues, and having that coupled with fine motor issues, I asked her how he was supposed to view school as a positive place? Long and short of it, I won. He got service. I feel really great that this came through for my Spencer. He deserves this. God, i deserve this.

I just want life to be easier for him. I don't want him him to have to work so hard for the rest of his life. I don't want to delay his growth, and limit his chance for success, just because his hands don't work in line with his brain. Good things are coming, i can feel it. This small victory makes me feel like i can handle the next few curve balls that come zinging by my head.

You know, i used to be alot like the hare in that childhood story. Impatient, taking off, full force, with little thought to my plan of action. Now, i am at least able to PRETEND to be the tortoise. Thank goodness, i can slow down and think things through. Its made this journey much much easier. Slow and steady....it really does win the race.