Gee Bethie’s doing well at her new school. It’s only been a four day week because of the Queen’s Birthday holiday on Monday and she’s had a runny nose threatening to turn in to something else but she’s had a good week this week. There’s been a couple of good things and one that I’m choosing to see as good even though I didn’t like it much. I’ll tell you that one first so that we can end on a positive note.
I drop Beth off in the mornings and go in to the office to sign her in, leaving her to walk around to the big gate that she enters by. Sometimes this is open and sometimes it’s not. On this particular morning it was shut and I watched as Beth reached down to open it. I could hear a girl telling Beth that no, she wasn’t allowed in and that she had to go around to the office and come in that way. When Beth gets distressed or annoyed her voice goes quite high and I could hear her saying “No, I’m allowed to come in this way.” I had already signed her in at this stage and started to walk across there to let it be known that an adult had seen this but by the time I got there Beth had made her way in. Much as I didn’t like hearing Beth being pushed around I choose to instead be proud of her, she stood up for herself and she got in the gate. It didn’t seem to bother her and it was a good lesson for me. I can’t always be there to help her out and she seems very capable of sorting things out for herself.
There was a sports day on Wednesday. Of course Beth didn’t want to go but when she got home she told me that she did long jump, running and frisbee. She had a “Well Done” ribbon and her teacher had written in her diary of how well she’d done and how she’d participated in all three activities. Wow, how good’s that?
I’m noticing more and more how many people know Beth too. A boy came and sat next to me last night at pick up time and said “You must be Beth’s mum? I’m her friend Mohamed.” Beth didn’t seem to know him but he was lovely and must have at least spoken with her. When I dropped Beth at the other campus this morning there were several boys who were genuinely shouting out hello to her. I guess they are teenagers now and she is a pretty girl. Either way, it all seems very friendly.
The last good thing was when I picked Beth up tonight. The Middle School coordinator came out to speak to me. She said they had walked back from the other campus this morning and Beth did it independently the whole way. She didn’t need her hand held and she didn’t need to be hurried up. the coordinator was so excited she just had to come and tell me! Things are certainly looking up for my girl! Have a good weekend everybody. xxx
Beautiful! This made me smile…really big!
yay, that’s what it’s meant to do! Thanks for reading gorgeous! xxx
Hi. I’ve just stumbled onto your blog & found it inspiring to read. I have an 8 year old autistic girl & we too are in Melbourne.
hi Elaine, thanks so much, I’m glad you’re enjoying it. What suburb are you in? I run a support group in Selby in the Dandenongs if it’s not too far for you? Cheers, Sarah
Sorry for the delay in my response; Telstra issues with our internet. I am in Malvern. I have so much to look forward to with my daughter so I read every bit of your blog with interest. Is there any way of communicating with you other than this way? Our break through this holiday is finding another holiday programme group to participate in for her where the excursions are off site and she will be with some of the girls from her old school too. Stay sane these hols, Elaine
thanks Elaine, I too have only just gotten the internet on after moving. I am glad I am able to ‘pave the way’ for you, I hope the journey does not sound too scary! You can email me if you like, my email address is sarahoconnor@iprimus.com.au