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...
