AAS

Yesterday, there was a school function and school ended at 10.25. I took this golden opportunity to pay Rayyan a visit at AAS. I managed to get feedback from the teacher regarding his progress and managed to see my dear boy 'in action'...

Yesterday was my boy's 5th session at AAS. The teacher said that he has made progress. Initially, he cried continuously during Circle Time (not surprising to me) but now he will just whine a bit and then he's alright. He is also doing well for table activities. He hates Music Time though. He used to cry non-stop but the teacher said that now, the teacher will bring a book along and he will be busy with the book and will not cry. The teacher hopes to get him used to the setting first before removing the book.

I managed to observe him through the glass. He didn't follow the routine done by the teacher but at least he didn't cry. I really hope that Rayyan will get used to the setting and routine and will soon be more involved during Music Time. And what I saw from the other kids was indeed very encouraging. Most of the them could follow the movements done by the teacher, tapping their maracas, making all the different movements, dancing along, etc... They were indeed very involved and what I saw kind of gave me renewed hope...

And there was another thing I noticed.. a group of I would call 'gung-ho' mothers, sitting at the corner of the centre. They were talking animatedly on how to help their son, what methods to use, where to go to get certain stuffs for their child, etc.. They were indeed very passionate and I noticed a camaraderie between them. Somehow I felt... rather envious... I wish I can come every week and join them and have discussions with them and share my experiences with them....

But the best part was Rayyan's reaction when he saw me... His session has ended then and he was walking to get his shoes. He saw my helper and hugged her.. I called out to him and he suddenly couldn't wait to get to me... ran over, hugged me tightly and was so excited that he started jumping and laughing! And he kept looking back to make sure that I was really there!! It was really funny I tell you... And then of course he didn't want anybody else to attend to him and was clinging on to me all the way home....

Anyway, before I end this post, let me just share this touching poem I found at the centre...

Heaven's Very Special Child ~ Author presently unknown
A meeting was held quite far from earth,
It's time again for another birth.
Said the angels to the God above;
This special child will need much love
His progress may be very slow,
Accomplishments he may not show.
And he'll require extra care,
From the folks he meets down there,
He may not laugh or jump or play,
His thoughts may seem quite far away.
In many ways he won't adapt,
And he'll be known as handicapped.
So lets be careful where he is sent, we want
His life to be content.
Please, God, find the good friends who
Will do a special job for you.
They will not realize it right away,
The leading role they're asked to play.
But with this child sent from above,
Comes stronger faith and richer love.
And soon they will know the privileges given,
In caring for their gift from Heaven.
Their precious charge, so meek and mild,
Is Heaven's very special child.