Bittersweet

This week will be bittersweet for us- it's Ryker's last week of in-home therapy. Last summer we started this journey hoping he was just a little behind. We figured he'd get a little therapy and then he'd be on his way to preschool with his sister, etc, etc, etc. As we progressed through the school year, Ryker was diagnosed with severe autism and our world was flipped upside down and turned inside out. The therapists who were working with him became more than therapists- they became supporters for our family. Friends. Advocates. They pushed us to see the little accomplishments that have now led to bigger ones. They blessed us with the gift of understanding our son and hope for his future.

We are about to embark on a new phase of Ryker's journey and although I am extremely excited for what's in store, it's always hard to leave behind the people who have helped us get him to this point. The ones who were here at the beginning. We know in our hearts we have made the right decision by enrolling Ryker in the Theo Wright Center (autism preschool at Jefferson), but it's so bittersweet.


Ryker,

 You have taught us more in your little life than I could have ever imagined. A year ago you were such a lost little boy; the world didn't make sense to you. Your world didn't make sense to us, either. We started your journey thinking we needed to "fix" whatever happened to you. Hindsight is definitely 20/20 because there isn't anything to fix. You are perfect just the way you are. You are our son. Our baby boy.

 All we want for your life is happiness. Although you cannot speak, happiness radiates from your face. It radiates every time you smile. Every time you giggle. Every time you "dance". Every time you let out a high-pitched squeal. Do not let anyone take that away from you. You may have an autism diagnosis, but that doesn't define you. It isn't who you are. It's a small part of you, but not your whole being.

Lisa told us this morning that you are her success story, and it brought tears to my eyes. You have impacted the lives of so many people around you, and you don't even know it. You have started checking off the list of "never's" and overcoming the obstacles set before you. Whether you overcome it all or only part of that list we will be grinning ear to ear knowing you have tried. You always try so hard. Even at 2 years old you've learned to never give up. It's amazing.

We are so excited to see what this school year brings. It might be hard for you at first. There will be new teachers, you'll have to take the bus, and you will be in a classroom with a few other kids like you. I think after the first couple of weeks you'll love it! We can't wait to start another year of progress. You're going to do AWESOME.

The sky is the limit, little man!

Love,
 Mom & Dad