151/365 the day that we have been looking towards for a very long time...

Grade 12 Graduation Mass and Convocation Ceremonies

in grade 3 we were told Shelby

would not be a high school graduate,

she just did not have the mental capacity

and there was a very good chance that

she would not be able to hold down a job,

take public transit or

live on her own,

basically she would NEVER be a

quick as a whip, sarcastic, thoughtful,

caring, intelligent, read 4 books a week,

independent, dependable, trustworthy

young lady...

really?

well obviously Shelby did not get the memo

because what she wasn't going to be is

exactly who and what she is

to this day Scott and I are not

sure how all of the doctors, specialists and educators

who we feel, or choose to believe at least,

had her best interests in their hearts

could be so off the mark

from the very first meeting when we were told

and through all of the following discussions,

we have always thought the above diagnosis was

for lack of more intelligent adjective, CRAP

and still today think there is not an ounce of truth

to their diagnosis.

their description was in no way

what we saw in a little girl that

could wrap anyone around her finger

and negotiate (aka argue) to the end of time

for what she wanted

and make friends with everyone and anyone

Shelby does struggle

we will all agree with that,

her math abilities are not strong

abstract thinking takes awhile

spelling, well let's just leave it at...

thank gosh for spellcheck

and while I may get to an answer

by going from Point A to B,

Shelby may go A to C to K to L to Y to R TO B

but she will get there.

I challenge you though to find me someone that

doesn't struggle with some of these areas as well.

Some of her schoolmates may have high IQ's

however, I will make a large wager that she would kick

their arses with her EQ score (Emotional Quotient).

this is her golden key

her success will come from her ability

to relate to many different types of people

her work ethic

her negotiation skills

& the fact she is just plain kind

and suffers from the same frustrating characteristic

as her mom...

she thinks everyone is basically good

and she can find something positive in almost every single person.

However the most helpful characteristic she probably has

is how darn tenacious she is.

If you want her to achieve something

then you just tell her it is not possible

that she can't do it

and she will battle to the end to prove you wrong...

that willingness to prove the naysayers wrong

and the unbelievable support from her family and

our extended network of friends...

we were able to see the end reward of the

tears, frustration, sleepless nights

stomach aches, head aches,

teasing at school,

& ongoing friend problems

this weekend.

It has been a wonderful weekend

and even more meaningful

when we reflect on how far she has come

what adversities she had to meet head on

and that she not only met the very high

expectations Scott and I set for her

but she surpassed them by leaps and bounds.

to put it simply,

we are very proud parents.

now we look forward to doing this

all over again with this one

and I can tell you right now

that it is going to be an

interesting adventure

in its own rights!

Bonus Picture:

Operation Healthy Family takes a hiatus on

this special day...