Inclusion rocks, and I just love it. In the past 6 years, I have witnessed it. In two different area codes. Countless hours apart.... This tells me that things are not the way they used to be, and I couldn't be happier about it.
When Lincoln received his academic award at his old school - i really started to realize that inclusion was "in". When we re-located, and had to leave the school where everyone knew Lincoln, I was sad. I was sad because I didn't know if we would ever get to witness something so amazing again in his new school. I was sad because we had to leave all of Lincolns new friends who accepted him for who he was behind. The truth is, I was sad because i was scared. Scared of what to expect, scared of the un known, and scared of not having the same inclusion that we had previously experienced. But, with all things, good things take time. Last week we got to see Lincoln receive another award at his new school. Character Role Model Award. He was recognized for his important help in developing character - for making an impact in his class, school and community to make them a better place. This.is.just.awesome. !!
I'll be honest with you that the sadness I felt after re locating stuck around for quite some time. We went a couple of months of dropping him off, and picking him up, without anyone really acknowledging him (or so it seemed). I know I should have never expected him to fit in at the drop of a dime, besides, all the kindergarten kids had already made their friends at the start of the year - Lincoln was the 'new kid'. It was a change. He used to have kids line up waiting for him to get dropped off, kids who would help him off the bus and make sure he made it down the steps without falling and carry his back pack, followed by "BYE LINCOLN" That was heart warming, and made the day to day thoughts of 'what ifs' disappear from my mind.
As we have been in this town for 5 months now, people are starting to get to know him. We go to the park and the kids know Lincoln, we go to the grocery store and kids say hi to Lincoln. His teacher takes the time every day to write down his daily activities, and always says good morning with a smile. Kids pass by him in the hall and say hi. Kids yell out of their car windows to say bye. Kids is where it starts. I truly feel everyone gets to benefit from having Lincoln around. He welcomes us to know that just because you may be a bit different, doesn't mean you're not capable of being included.
I know it might not be easy to understand, but when your child is 6, and is hard to understand, and needs extra help doing certain things his fellow peers can do independently, inclusion is kind of a big deal. and I love it. You're only as different as you make yourself.
Thank you to everyone who is part of Lincolns life - for including him for the true joy is brings to life.
Keep on shining Lincoln. You light up my world more than words can ever say.
