Team Micah Rocks

October is Downs Awareness month. And in honor of this very important month I'll be doing random posts on Downs. Or Micah. Or anything remotely related. I want to start the month off with a brag, as well as multitask a little bit. I'm Being Held Hostage is hosting a giveaway and in order to enter you've got to write a letter to someone who has made an impact on your life.


Dear Team Micah:

Thank you for all that you do for my boy. I know it's just your job, but the fact that you're not only doing it but doing it in love is what amazes me.

Margie, you're the best therapist ever. You were not only an OT, but a friend, a sounding board, a shoulder to cry on, a willing hug when I needed it. You knew how to get the most out of Micah even on days when he wanted nothing to do with OT. And you didn't stop at OT. You weren't afraid to incorporate speech therapy, physical therapy or music therapy into every session because you loved Micah enough to go the extra mile. You taught me as much as you've taught my son. Thank you for showing me that although Holland is a different place, it's a wonderful place where each leaf and blade of grass should be thoroughly inspected. That the mud puddles are there to play in. That the small things should be celebrated no matter what, even if it means allowing Micah to wear his pants backwards in public. It's better to allow him the pride in a job well done than worry about what others will think. I love that you still think of Micah after all these years.

And Dr. G who freaked me out by requesting surgery on my 4 month old son when he was there to have his ears cleaned out. Thank you for caring enough about a first-time patient to risk hacking off a mom on the mental edge. Sure, I hated you for a few days, but in the end you may have saved my boy's life. And I will always be grateful for the tears in your eyes when you told me that you were leaving the practice and would no longer be able to doctor my son. They don't make doctors like you very often and your patients are blessed.

To Penny, Freda and Susan, the best teachers in the church. Each one of you has believed in Micah from the time he started attending class. Your love for him is reciprocated 100% and I love that each of you can get him to do things that I cannot. If it weren't for you wonderful ladies lovingly teaching him how to behave in class he would be a holy terror in school. And thanks to each of you, he loves going to church.

To our wonderful pediatrician who takes a special interest in Micah. Even if we're there with another child, you take the time to ask how he's doing and if there's anything you can help with. Thank you for believing in me as a parent, trusting my instincts, and acting on my concerns. Your patience with Micah is unparalleled. Who else would continue smiling when the boy simply will not cooperate? Thank you for understanding that he just doesn't understand. Even if he doesn't love you, I do. If you ever leave our practice we'll be following suit.

To the most wonderful kindergarten teacher in the world. I love that you want nothing more than to squeeze the cuteness out of Micah, but instead push him to greatness. Much as I'd love for him to be petted and spoiled, I understand that making him listen is more important. He's gaining a lot of respect for you and has learned so much already. Thank you for geniunely caring about each and every child that you have, and fighting just as hard as I do for things that he needs. I couldn't think of a better player to be on my IEP team.

To the speech therapist that we see every Wednesday at noon. Thank you for the referrals, the phone numbers, and the encouragement to get Micah evaluated for a communicative device. Especially in light of the fact that you want nothing to do with them. Thank you for caring enough to help him find a voice until he finds his own. I love that you're always willing to discuss my latest concerns about my nonverbal baby.

To our school principal who doesn't give me hassle when I call. Weekly. Who listens to my concerns and acts upon them happily. Thank you for taking the time to talk when I stop in without an appointment. You've made the transition into kindergarten easy, and that was no small task considering that you're new at all this too. I appreciate that you so quickly got Micah a personal aide when circumstances dictated otherwise. You care about your kids and it shows. Thank you.

And even to Dr. Freakazoid who sometimes makes me so mad that I want to leave your practice, thank you for having a flip side that redeems you. That flip side is why I continue with you. Your surgical skills are unmatched, and when you're in a grand mood you will listen attentively and believe me when I say that my boy can hear. Because he can. Because of this I've avoided a lot of hassle.

And the therapist who gave Micah the gift of speech. His Voice Box will forever be attributed to you. The Voice Box that we do not have yet, but will be getting because you've done your job so well. Sure, you hacked me off by not pushing through the paperwork in a timely manner, but the fact remains that you are the one responsible for communication. It still brings tears to my eyes. I will never be able to thank you enough.

There are so many, many others who have helped shape the road we're on. Thank you, each and every one. Team Micah rocks. There is no other way to put it. I love that we all pull together to make Micah the very best that he can be.

~ Micah's Mom, forever his advocate