Thursday, October 22, 2015

A Beautifully Successful Experience

I have a few moments to update you, all, on Phia's new school experience.  Before having a fully inclusive classroom, I saw Phia slipping away from me in going to school, not in being apart from me but in being...whole.  I'm also not just talking about her being able to ride a bike, articulate all she knows, play on the playground with other kids.  To be whole ~ to be needed by somebody like she needed them. Not giving up on someone.

I believe Phia being atypical doesn't mean she doesn't belong.  Her difference does not infringe on the right of others to learn, like I've been told. (What a burden that was to carry.)
Difference is not a liability. Difference is looking at what is real about ourselves, others and life.  When you see what's real about yourself, you don't infringe on anyone for that.

I wrote, in my previous post, that we were just beginning the collaborative promotion in belonging.  We were looking forward to a classroom where everyone is the whole.  Where everyone benefits in educational and social development.  Where learning, working, growing, and sharing, together, is normal.  I'm happy to report this way of living and learning is a beautifully successful experience.
One of her peers made this comment, (when she needed to go home with being ill) "there is a big hole in our class when Phia is gone." Nuff said, wink.
My heart is bursting, really enjoying Phia taking on her own life, who she is, without fighting and pushing for acceptance. She is needed and that is beautiful.
The burden has been lifted. On her horizon she has three playdates lined up and she is being found in living her life and that is all she has ever wanted.