Big man on campus

Aug 28, 2011

Who would have thought that Nathan would be a fifth-year senior at OSU, before his 6th birthday? After a busy summer school starts once again tomorrow morning, and I don’t know who’s more excited.

For one of the few times over the last several months, I think we may actually be prepared…at least for tomorrow. The bags are packed, the video camera charged, (good batteries for the digital camera,) even a new set of pads for the walker. This year, I can even proudly say a new pair of shoes.

On Friday, we had our home meeting with Nathan’s teacher (the same teacher he’s had for the last two years) and one of the main reasons we’ve stayed with Nisonger for one final year. Nathan’s school PT came out to see his conductive education, and made the statement, “I just think it’s going to be a good year.”

There are some changes from previous years, but nothing too dramatic. We’re interested to see how Nathan does with the same room, same teacher, but new (and fewer) students. The previous two years have been with the majority of the same friends. Many have moved on to kindergarten and others have decided to stick with their local districts. Still Nathan is always welcome to make new friends and several of the kids, he’s seen in the other classes in the building.

Of course nothing can be easy for Nathan. Typically he won’t have school on Mondays, but Nisonger staggers its start of students over two days so Wednesday will be the first day with everyone. Nathan’s first day will look like this:

8-9
OT

9-11:30

School

1-2

PT

5:30-6:30

Equine assisted therapy

At least he has Tuesday off of school to recover. For those keeping score at home, yes, Tuesdays were our crazy days, and we moved horseback riding to Monday to break that up. At least it’s only one week.

I think Annette and I are thinking some very special things are in store for Nathan this year. With his increased leg strength, better control over his walker, and ability to not only be at the same level as the other kids, but better ability to chase with/after them, he’ll start being closer to the kid we all know he can be.

Our prayers go out to his school, the teachers, therapists and staff for a successful year with all the kids. With Nathan’s recently developed deviant side, they may need a few extra as well. We fully expect Nathan to be walking around school like he owns it, and only hope that they can help bring out all the skills we think are so close. Sure, it’s still some driving for me dropping-off and picking-up, but for what they’ve done this far, it’s truly worth it.

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