Some Gifts
I know it’s a lot of blogging about Luke but frankly my older kids are computer savvy and on to this blog. They realize when I put silly stories about them and pictures a lot of friends and family are going to see it. They usually don’t let me publish posts about them (so I keep them to myself). But Luke, he’s not on to me, YET!
Luke had the best time last night. Well, I think we all did. I drove home with a warm feeling in my heart. This whole thing has come so full circle. It just amazes me. Looking back at this past year when I reflect on Luke I think of one word, WORK! He’s worked so hard and accomplished so much. He just had the time of his life last night when we all drove down to speech together. The whole family. Not only were we all with him but when we got there he didn’t have to do any speech WORK! Megan, her family, and their entire staff were there to welcome Three Little Words foundation. This foundation is trying to help cover the cost for children who need one on one speech therapy. An amazing undertaking. Luke was invited to come because happily we may get to share his story. He may be their little spokes man.
Any how when we got there, I could tell he thought Wow, this is a party! Everyone was there. All the doors were open. He was free to roam around. Walking in and out of the receptionist space. The other therapist office doors were open, he was eying all their toys. 
We were eating dinner on the waiting room table were we usually play quietly waiting for our turn. I’m standing talking to my husband when I realize Luke’s MIA. I round the bend to Megan’s room and there he is. Standing up on Megan’s table pulling down everything he ever wanted. While having to do absolutely no work for it.
Oh Happy Day!
He was even having a good taste of the pretend ice cream he always wanted to try.
I was cracking up. I’m not sure how happy he’ll be next time we have to actually do therapy.
Then it was time for pictures with Megan. Things could not have gone better. Just to sit back and watch the interaction between the two of them was a special moment for me. To realize my sons story will hopefully help children who really need speech therapy and cannot afford it. To watch Gods plan in this unfold.
I had to click a few pictures along with their photographer. He must have got some awesome shots. His camera was clicking a hundred times for every shot I took with Preston’s little camera.
Some gifts you can’t explain. Some gifts are given so freely. Some gifts last for a lifetime.
Tags: Lucid Speech and Language, Three Little Words Foundation
December 20th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
What a special memory you will have of this evening.
My son is 2 and doesn’t speak yet. He has been evaluated and has a severe receptive language delay and a significant expressive delay (he does wave and point, but no real words!). We’re just starting out on our journey with speech therapy, and it’s very helpful to read about your experiences.
I just wanted to say that I know how hard some days can be. No one can possibly relate to the overwhelming nature of speech delays unless they’ve experienced this themselves. So many people are willing to say “It’s ok, they’ll talk when they’re ready” but it’s not about the words they aren’t saying. Our worries are well beyond “talking.”
I appreciate you sharing your story! Happy Holidays!
December 20th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Wow Jen! I am so proud of Luke, and YOU! He may be the spokesman for Three Little Words Foundation? What an honour
You must be such a proud Mommy. Can’t wait to hear more about this exciting stuff!
To all the SLP’s who ever read this blog, Jen’s words express so beautifully what each and every parent of a child you help along the way feels. You are giving our families a gift that will truly last a lifetime. Some days you may just see it as going to work and doing your job. To all of us, your work means so much more. You are giving our children the help that we, as parents, haven’t been able to give our children because we lack your knowledge of HOW to help. Your dedication to your profession means so much to us, and thank you from the bottom of our hearts. I have tried so many times to think of how to say “thank you” to our most special SLP along our road who literally taught my son to talk, but somehow there just aren’t adequate words to express my gratitude. How do you thanks someone enough for giving your child the freedom to express himself, taking away the pain and frustration that he was feeling when he couldn’t be heard, and giving him skills that he will use each and every single day for the rest of his life? I know I sure wish I had half as rewarding a career…thank you for doing what you do. It means SO MUCH to us!
December 21st, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Can I just say “ditto” to what Jacqui said? ^.^
That’s SOOOO awesome, Jen! The Three Little Words Foundation sounds like a wonderful program, and how great that Luke has the chance to help them reach out!
((HUGS)) Hillary. Sending lots of PTs for you and your son’s journey.