Dear Jake,
Today was a monumental day for our family … you started kindergarten.
You, my baby boy.
The boy who waited until well into your third year of life to say “mama” for the first time.
The boy with the quiet spirit and a bright smile to speak the words that were in your heart.
The boy who has already faced so many trials – eczema, asthma, allergies, apraxia – but thrived despite of them.
The boy who worked hard in speech therapy and found his voice.
The boy who understands what it’s like to work hard for something and get it.
The boy who knows climbing mountains and facing challenges is just part of life.
The boy who is sensitive and knows what it feels like to be different.
The boy who evolved into a witty, funny, outgoing kid who makes everyone around him smile.
The boy who has taught me a multitude of lessons.
The boy who everyone can’t help but fall in love with.
Jake, I know that you are going to do awesome in kindergarten. There was a period in our lives when I didn’t know what your future looked like. But, I started understanding that a different future than the one I had envisioned was okay. We all have our trials; apraxia and allergies just happens to be ours.
At times I wondered if the words would ever come. I didn’t know if you would be able to go to a regular school or if you would need to be in a special needs class. I didn’t know if your allergies would allow you to do the simple act of sitting next to a friend at lunch.
I worried about you. I prayed for you. I worked hard for you. I rejoiced with you for every single sound, syllable, and word that came out of your mouth.
And that is why there are no tears for me today.
A little anxiety about snack and lunch time – yes – but really I just feel happy.
Life is full of peaks and valleys. And every once in a while you get to stand on the top of a mountain and bask in the beauty before you and take a deep breath of fresh air. That moment is the best.
Today is your day Jake. Congratulations on all that you have accomplished.
I love you!
Mama
Jake's Journey with Apraxia 
Congrats! This is a great post. Thank you for sharing your journey. Our little guy is two and recently got diagnosed with apraxia. It feels good to know that with hard work he could be done with speech by kindergarten! I know what you mean about rejoicing in each new syllable or word. Just curious, at what age did Jake’s speech really take off that you didn’t have to teach every single word? I’m celebrating with you, enjoy!
Stephanie, Thank you for your support! 🙂 And thank you for sharing your own story. Jake really started talking about 3 months after his 4th birthday. At age 3 he had 5 “real” words (not approximations) and he tested on a 10 month old level. He showed tremendous improvement 3 months into our diet & supplement plan and 1 month after introducing the Speech-EZ hand cues. We did the 1st set of Kaufman cards for 1 full year, but then didn’t have to do the 2nd set b/c all those sounds just came once the first ones did. Best of luck to you with your son’s healing journey.
A NEW CHAPTER!!! What an exciting day for Mommy & Jake!!! Thank you as always for sharing your journey with us … We continue to cheer for you both!!!
Thank you Tara! Yes, a new chapter! You are my cheerleader, friend! Thanks for your support.
Yippee!!! Beautifully written. I had a tear for you. Congrats to you both for working so hard, taking things a different direction and making it through some rough times. He will soar, no doubt, as his mom is a real super hero to learn from.
Thank you Belinda!! You are so sweet. I’m glad we’ve became friends! This post absolutely had a piece of my heart in it. I’m really happy with our new acupuncturist by the way. I took my oldest son on Friday b/c his asthma was flaring and they gave us a really awesome tea and a very thorough session. He was fine by the time we got home!! I know Athens is a drive for you though.
Such an exciting day for all of you ! You and Jake have worked hard to make this day possible and we all celebrate with you and for you !
Joyce, Thank you for your support!! I love hearing words of encouragement from my blog friends! 🙂
This is SO sweet and brought tears to my eyes, b/c I know what you are talking about apraxia-wise and the tremendous effort for each sound, syllable and word! Yeah for Jake! He , you and God did it! (and those around you are also a great support).
Mary Ann
Mary Ann, Thank you so much for your comments. Yes, God has been with us. Now that I have extra time with Jake being in school I am going to write 3 books. One of the them is a bible study on my journey with apraxia, etc. and God’s hand in our experience. Ironically enough, the sermons at my church matched up perfectly with whatever I was going through with Jake at the time. This experience changed my life. Thank you again for your support. 🙂
Congratulations! We are at the beginning of our journey with (suspected) apraxia (little man is 22 months), and seeing Jake’s progress gives me hope and inspiration. You should be so proud of yourself also.