Remedial school has been a game changer.

 

Remedial school is hard. When Jarrod reads this blog years from today I hope he will forgive me for saying this. It’s really not because he finds it hard, but it is definitely about him not getting that I am doing physio, OT and homework and oh so much homework for a 5 year old.

 

In some ways we have gone back to the beginning to give him self-esteem and courage. His had some serious emotional setbacks with being bullied and also being called slow. He refuses to associate with anyone outside or in school for fear of getting hurt, but continues to prove a popular and energetic soul according to the teachers who have approached me.

 

I was called to a meeting with all therapists to explain his condition and what he could and couldn’t do. It was mildly amusing as usually children can be boxed or categorized in a school but there is our child. No box. Stubborn genes from both parents and an excessive will to live and laugh and love. My answer to all their questions was simple: Jarrod knows his boundaries; he will go head first down anything fast; he will never get enough of a vestibular workout and all I ask is that he doesn’t cry for more than 10 minutes for fear of the aneurysm bursting.

 

He melted down in computer class last week. I eventually got out of him that he felt he didn’t want to use a desktop, and by the way there was no wireless mouse. Over and above this piece of valuable info they insisted he use a left mouse. He uses a right mouse. Case solved. A wireless right handed mouse went with him to school. After a brief tutorial on how to use it I asked if I needed to go through it again? “No mom I got it.” Right moving on.

 

Monday is external speech day, and this week I had to get involved, but he participated and he is doing so nicely with his production and stopping. We have found some amazing iPad apps and Zingo is helping us find a good deal of success. Following therapy, which is at Fastrack Kids, Jarrod announced, “I’m off to play with my friends, Mom!” It was such a relief as this is the first time in three weeks he’s played with anyone of his own free will.

 

Library is every Thursday. I was more than excited about it. When asking Jay-Bee if they stamped his book to tell him when to take it back the quiet answer from the back of the car was simply. “No Mom, they scanned it.” Strike 2.

 

Jarrod at the ripe old age of 5 was requested to deliver his first proper speech on one of the senses. I suggested taste and Dad suggested sight. Mom won over because chocolate was in the mix. We wrote his speech in sight words and pictures to jog his memory and he practised everyday with such determination. We were extremely proud when we were told he exceeded expectations. Thanks to Fasttrack Kids he is an expert speaker. He was quite excited that his ‘presentation’ was slightly like his Dad’s, in that it was in slide format, but had “tasting bags” attached to it. Sweet, sour, salty and chocolate goodies made up part of his props for the speech.

 

Jarrod arrived off the tennis court this week, plonked himself down next to me and usually I send him straight back as he is of the sort that believes he is done when he is done. However when he arrived red faced and red eyed, and announced “Oh my word its hot out there”, then lay down with a wet wipe over his face, that was me for the day. Ironically after a bit of water and he grabbed another wet wipe and headed to the court. Secretly I think coach has a soft spot for Jarrod’s own interpretation of life.

He arrived a second and third time to collect new wet wipes, but the third time looked at me and announced in a not so soft voice, “Mom, I just can’t do it anymore!”

 

We’ve taken to playing with a new (old) toy every day, and when he arrives home without fail he’ll announce, “What on earth is going on here?”

 

He has also taking to ‘reading’ things in stores and announcing to the world in general “What the flip flop?” Whilst definitely not my terminology or his Dad’s we quizzed him about this. Apparently it comes from Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 was the answer.

 

He has also taken to finding brochures; especially ones containing games and/or toys and ticking the ones he has and the ones he doesn’t. He has also managed to save for 10 weeks for Bowser’s Castle. I then had to break it to him it would take 20 more because it is in Dollars. “What the flip flop!”

 

We are definitely going to have to work on the expletives employed by our 5 year old.

 

It bears noting something that many of you all wonder and ask.

 

No Jarrod is not out of danger, he probably will never be. Strange things happen, like nystagmus, he has mystery fevers with no symptoms or indicators. We need to get back to Paris to see what is going on, because he rubs his head a lot and my Mommy instinct says something is up. His blood pressure spikes, which is not a good sign, his extremities are cold, which is alarming. We are keeping the faith, we know we’ll have to do some fund-raising and would appreciate any ideas anyone would like to volunteer.

 

For all this and in so many ways, Jarrod is the light of our lives and provides such joy. We are truly blessed to know this special child.

 

You’ll forgive me if I use an amazing writer, AA Milne’s words to describe our own feelings.

“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you” Winnie-the-Pooh.

and

‘If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.’ – AA Milne

 

In ending this brief insight into this funny little chicken, it should be noted that prior to the starting of this blog he went off and in the infamous Za Za Gabor’s words said, “I wants (not a typo) to be alone.” He’s passed out and fast asleep hence his Mother taking over diary writing.

 

Many happy thoughts to you all.

 

Those of you with children, go and kiss them, I know they are asleep but they deserve all your loves and kisses, they can never have too much. If you don’t have kids, feel free to come over and borrow mine, he’ll never say no to hug or a kiss. If you can this week, be happy remember your inner child and live, love and laugh.

 

Oh, and if you’re wondering why Jarrod is so tired (and Mom and Dad too), is that we had an action packed weekend. First on Saturday we had a birthday party for Liya complete with a petting zoo. The Sunday we had a breakfast farewell for Nina, Jaco, Gene and Kate who are moving to New York this week. Added into the mix we celebrated Nina’s 40th birthday. Breakfast become lunch. A quick visit in the afternoon to Shelli and Joseph’s place to play with Noa and Noami. Noa spent a couple of nights in hospital this week but is now much better. For dinner we meet up with Nina and co. at the Victory Park Spur for one last time.

 

Jarrod’s Mom

 

Photo 1 Hugging a tub of Lego’s in Emma’s room

Photo 2 My completed project

Photo 3 There were mountain goats at Liya’s birthday party

Photo 4 With a petting pen

Photo 5 Tickling a two week old baby bunny

Photo 6 Mom showing me a corn snake called Mielle

Photo 7 Giving it a try

Photo 8 Need to build a bridge for Thomas the Tank Engine

Photo 9 At Oak Leafs restaurant for Nina and Jaco’s farewell, and Nina’s surprise birthday party

Photo 10 Very festive

Photo 11 Fun

Photo 12 Hectic party

Photo 13 Nina and Mommy hugging (and shedding a few tears)

Photo 14 Dad and I having a chat

Photo 15 Me giggling

Photo 16 Playing with balloons

Photo 17 Throwing them to the sky

Photo 18 Loving it!

Photo 19 Cool dude

Photo 20 Hi!


Photo 21 Drawing in the farewell ledger

Photo 22 Mixing it up

Leave a Reply