a different normal: Emma's Graduation

A little over a week ago, my sweet angel graduated from her awesome preschool. It was a precious night that I will never forget. It was such a special and "normal" moment for our family, which are few and far between for us. Due to her cast, she had to be carried in by her teacher Mr. Shayne and she was so happy to be wearing her blue cap and gown, her cap was a little big and kept falling off which was so cute:) They sang a cute song about moving up to Kindergarten ( prek for emma), a song about the Lord's prayer, they played the harmonica and did a song with bells and I think one other song but I forgot it:) Then, they sat down to get their diplomas. It was so sweet. Each child was called up to stand with their teacher while the director talked about each one. First they shared what the child had said they wanted to be when they grew up and then Mrs. Lynn shared what the staff thought they would be. Her teacher warned me that I would cry, and we ALL DID!! Emma actually walked up to stand, and the shared that Emma wanted to be a artist, she loves art. Then, Mrs. Lynn shared that the staff thought Emma would Run Nike someday, because when Emma started at the Center we all talked about Emma "might walk, Emma might go five days a week, Emma might do this or that and Emma does not understand might she only understands to just do it!! So true and so sweet to hear someone else say that. My daughter is so strong and such a fighter. I hope she does run Nike someday!!

Emma loved graduation and sang all the songs so well. Her music teacher and all the other teachers were so proud of her and so was her family. They all practiced so much and did so great. I loved her diploma and the art they did to decorate the hall where we had cake afterwards. They did a abstract watercolor and a version of Monet's water lilies. Both are so cute and well done.

Emma has come so far since starting at the Children's Center. She started in a wheelchair only going three days a week, now she walks and goes five days a week. She has learned so many words, how to count to ten, many colors and letters, she learned tons about computers, music and art, she has learned to share and be a friend, and how to follow directions and listen too. She has learned much much more but you all get the point. We really did not know how it was going to go when she started and to be honest we planned on pulling her if things did not go well. But boy have we been blessed. They have loved Emma despite her limitations and helped her to overcome so many of her limitations. She even learned to walk there!! They never minded changing her diaper and even installed a changing table in her classroom this year. They never treated her different at all and just loved her and helped her to grow. I am forever grateful for the staff there for loving and growing my angel. She loves them all and will be sad to say good bye on Friday. But it is time to move on and we just pray that her new teachers love and protect her like her old ones have.

I am so proud of Emma and enjoyed getting to watch her graduation and will never forget that night!!! Such a small thing to some but a big thing for us!!

FEW PHOTOS FROM THAT NIGHT!

Emma's Art Work!