We just finished Harper’s annual review through Early Intervention (EI) this week. EI is an amazing program. It provides resources such as occupational and speech therapy for children under 3 years old that need a little extra help meeting developmental milestones. Every state and county is different, but we are very fortunate to have one-on-one therapy sessions in our home (well, when a virus isn’t running a muck in the world). Research has shown when infants and toddlers receive this extra attention early on, it sets them up for long-term success. We are so thankful for this resource!
Annual review time
To get ready for the annual review, Harper is “tested” aka I’m asked a laundry list of questions about what Harper is and isn’t doing. Then her therapists take that information and give her a “grade” aka where she falls age wise on a typical developmental timeline.
I didn’t realize how emotionally draining this exercise was until I had multiple breakdowns over silly things like a head of lettuce. Let’s just say it wasn’t the head of lettuce that caused the outburst. Exhaustion set in from this responsibility that goes beyond the typical duties of a parent of a toddler. Whether they mean for it or not, this process tends to exemplify the disparities more than it celebrates the wins.
One day at a time
Taking it one day at a time and living in the moment is the place that we flourish. I often pay no attention to what the developmental timeline tells me Harper should be doing. I just see my beautiful baby (ok maybe not a baby anymore) girl.
But this week I was given a sheet of paper that says she is performing at a 13-16 month old capacity in some areas, when in fact she is 2 years old. It’s not fun seeing it written down. It is a blatant reminder that Harper hangs out on a different timeline. But that’s it – it’s just different. I continually have to tell myself that different isn’t wrong or bad, it’s just different. She is not behind. She is on her own beautiful, yet scenic timeline. Harper is not missing out on an impactful life. There are still many blessings and hardships to discover along the way.
You are not behind
This. This is the lesson that Harper is so wonderfully modeling and teaching me everyday. And I think you need to hear it too. We each learn and grow differently. Each of us is on our own timeline. It is never too late to change. You are not behind.
Harper is not one bit bothered by her timeline. She keeps trekking ahead with a smile on her face and abundant love in her heart. May we all embrace the timeline we are on. Don’t give up. Keep moving forward. You, my friend, are not behind!
