More confidence, peace and joy in transitions

For as long as I can remember I dreamed of one day being a mom. And I was ecstatic in anticipation for Harper’s birth. I knew we would have a great support system with our family because it does in fact take a village. But I didn’t picture a team of therapists and specialists helping me care for my child. 

On one hand I’m very thankful for the extra resources we have access to because of Harper’s diagnosis of Down syndrome. But on another hand it can be a lot of extra energy and time to schedule, coordinate and show up for these appointments. And that is why it is bittersweet that Harper is graduating the Early Intervention (EI) program. EI has been an amazing program that provides in-home therapy for children with developmental delays until they are three years old. Then at three, if kids still need support they move into the county public school system. 

This is where we find ourselves these days, the transition into the public school system that we will be in for the foreseeable future. And if I’m honest this transition is intimidating. So as we approach this transition I’m praying for three things. 

Confidence

As parents we are bombarded with messaging about how to best support and raise our kids. Well, add in special needs and now there is a full load of advocacy messaging as well. It can be absolutely overwhelming. I know that my nature is less confrontational, so knowing that I might need to speak up more frequently for Harper as we navigate school is paralyzing. So, I’m praying for more confidence. More confidence to speak up when needed. And more confidence in my decisions even if it goes against what other parents are doing for their kids with special needs. I want to be more confident. 

Peace 

Transitions often lend themselves to a lot of uncertainty. And I don’t know about you, but anxiety is best friends with uncertainty in my life. Thinking about school was really hard in those early days of Harper’s diagnosis and I can’t believe we are already here. So, I’m praying for peace. I hope I experience more peace as we get to know her new therapists and teachers. That my anxieties would release seeing Harper grow and learn just like every other transition we’ve faced in her life. I want to have more peace and less worries about her going into the public school system. 

Joy 

The divide of ability between Harper and her peers continues to grow. And it can be easy to get sad and frustrated. But I want to keep celebrating all of Harper’s accomplishments. I want to keep finding overflowing joy in her just being herself. I don’t want the tests, measurements and schedules of school to rob us of joy. So, I’m praying that we wouldn’t be swayed by how the world measures success and instead rest in the blessing God has given us to have Harper in our world. 

Life is full of transitions 

Life is full of transitions. And a lot of time transitions are really good. We are moving on into a new adventure! But it doesn’t mean that they are easy or void of challenge. So, I’m going to acknowledge that I need prayer as we move into this new season with Harper. Will you join me in praying for confidence, peace and joy?