Yesterday I posted a couple of videos of my kids reading their current favorite bedtime stories. Sam was reading about sharks, and to my surprise, started ticking off all these different kinds of sharks–some I had no idea he knew the names of. He does this frequently these days, can roll off lists of dinosaurs, have lengthy conversations about animals of all kinds, not to mention the ins and outs of our friend Diego. I know that I always talk about how I marvel at the progress he has made over the last year and a half, but I don’t know how many people really see what TK and I have seen.
As I was making the movies last night I came across some older videos of Sam and, once again, was brought to tears. I can recall the first time I saw them, just after we made them in December of ’06, and could not believe how well he was doing. He had been in school for two months, and we thought the progress was astounding. In retrospect, I am amazed at how bad things were for my boy then, how hard it was for us to understand him, how frustrated he would get. Imagine knowing what you are trying to say, but being physically incapable of creating the right sounds. Heartbreaking, and even more so NOW, seeing it in perspective.
It has been one of the hardest things, as a parent, watching my child have to bear something so difficult. I remember days where I was so frustrated, Sam was so frustrated, and I would shout to the heavens, "I WANT TO TALK TO MY SON." And the work that this boy has done, the leaps and bounds he has, well, leapt and bounded, are incredible. We see our girl, at almost 2 and a half, speaking in full sentences. When Sam was her age, I was still waiting to hear "Mommy" from his lips.
Today, it is all knock-knock jokes, dinosaur information, and I swear he spends half his time correcting Jane’s pronunciation. Really. But I never will forget what it took for him to get to this place. This wonderful, talking, singing, joking, dinosaur-knowing, back-talking, sweet-nothing-whispering place.
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Christal - WOW! It is so amazing how kids can surprise us, and oversome obsitcals to me at times! I also think it is the “drive of a parent” and their will to see their children succed! Kids want to pleae their parents, and when they cheer them on it is all the better! Thanks for sharing!
Lori Shaw - Wait till Grammy sees this one because I have tears welling up in my eyes. Oh my goodness between this wonderful little boy so full on information and his loving, supportive parents imagine how far he can go. What I truly love about you and TK is the way you parent. You are not afraid to discipline your children if they need it. Many families have out of control children (with obstacles) because they are afraid (or guilt ridden) to teach their children. They often makes excuses for bad behavior because of their child/children’s disability. I truly love your children they bring out the best smiles to all around them. Keep up the good work.
Suzanne - As I said, at the moment it is happening you just applaud the words that you DO understand and I remember how Sam would accept the correct pronounciation and would try 4-5 times to say it correctly. I raise my glass to both you and TK who have encouraged this child beyond measure AND who got help for him so early on. Remember when they said they did not know if he would ever really speak properly or read or write? Of course I brag about Sam but the skills you and TK have shown in bringing him along are beyond measure. What’s that song: “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” Absolutely everything…with patience and perseverence thrown in for good measure. Do I get credit for raising such an incredible woman? Bamp
Noelle - Incredible Sam! It’s hard to remember nowadays
just how severe his speech problem was, those first videos had me crying my eyes out. I remember a period of time when he would come up to me and take my hand to show me something, or to go play with him. Now you can’t get the kid to stop talking, and he speaks beautifully. Kudos to Sam, it is clear that this kid won’t let anything get in his way. MAJOR kudos to TK and you. Sam and Jane are truly blessed to have you both for parents. -Noelle
Kristinah - Hi Sarah-
I LOVE love love your stuff. I ‘ve been a “blog stalker” for a while, but today’s post really made me want to comment. I teach at an at-risk preschool in Springfield, IL. It’s wonderful to see caring parents appreciating the importance of the school-family partnership! I see lots of kids with speech issues like Sam’s and the progress they make at this young age is truly breathtaking. Congrats on your amazing progress! Sam is living proof of the importance of early childhood education and caring, active parents. Keep up the excellent work!
-Kristinah
Summer - I never knew this story about him! What was the story exactly for those of us who don’t know?
steph - Sarah… really, there’s only one thing I can say. Thank you. I am in tears at my desk at work right now. Hope is an amazing thing…
Sam seems like such an amazing little guy!!
Wendi - Sam, Sam, Sam, Auntie Wendi never had any doubts Buddy! I always knew you would be the smartest boy out there. You just needed a little extra time and look out he is going to take off.
Congrats you two. I think you already know how much I love my Sammy! I’ll never forget when he wasn’t really talking and I gave him that Big Bird blanket. What a response I got. Really, Sam has always been a special boy. He just has a way of warming your heart. Love ya. Unbelievable video Sa, you always amaze me!
Susie - This video is amazing. Kinda got me chocked up at the end. Thanks for sharing.