It was a very hot day. Here in the PNW, we have had 60 degree and raining weather for weeks and weeks and then bam 90. I'm not complaining, but it would have been nice to get a warm up so we could acclimate. Seriously on the 4th of July I was wearing two sweatshirts and less than a week later roasting in 90 degree heat. I was not going to let the heat stop me from this outing and opportunity to meet some more people that understand my new world.
Our group was on the ground on blankets and their group was under the covered area just a little to our left. That in itself was a bit awkward because it was like them and us. I skipped over anyway and introduced myself. They were all very nice ladies with absolutely adorable children.
At one point my situation with the school came up as I was talking to one of the moms. They are all from a different school district than the one we are in. In their district, they have procedure nurses that travel and take care of their kids. Our district doesn't have that in place and in fact the nurse is only there 1 day a week.
I went back to "our" group to say some hellos and squeeze some necks of people I hadn't had a chance to touch base with. When I came back over to meet a couple of new ladies that had joined their group, I was bombarded. I know they meant well. I'm sure being on sensory over load with the heat was a big part of why I felt overwhelmed. I was being thrown "you need to threaten to sue", "you need to call the local news station", "you need to, you need to , you need to". I wanted to just melt into a puddle and cry.
I know that they had the best intentions and have been dealing with ignorance from people and having to fight for their kids for years. I get that. I have a fierce mama bear inside of me too and can go from 0 to bitch in less than 60 seconds if necessary. Maybe I am naive but I really think that I can fight this with out having to fight so to speak. I believe we can come up with a win-win situation. I will be contacting these other moms though if I need to get mean and nasty.
I am a little backwards from the rest of society. I believe that respect is not something that is earned. I believe that all people deserve honor because they are God's creation. When He was done creating them He was happy with the result. He loves them with an everlasting love and sent His son for them. So before I go putting on my bitch hat and making a spectacle of the school district I want to try to handle this with grace and honor. (I have contacted the ADA and Bekah will be on a pump so the skin piercing will not be an issue) I also want to just enjoy my summer with out worrying about the school and what the best course of action for Bekah's education is.
All in all our experience at the park was a nice time. Here is a picture of the kids and some of the moms. I think we could be great friends if we have the opportunity to meet on a regular basis. (the cutey in the blue dress is Bekah and to her right is Bonnie's daughter who has been an amazing strength for Bekah)
0 to bitch... LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteBut I do agree, you need to give them the "opportunity" to make it right before you go psycho d mom on them. You will get further in the big picture of it all.
Its great that the 2 groups met up... it is weird that it was a bit segregated?? But good for you for going over and chatting them up, its the only way to break the ice :)
I am glad you ended up having a good time in spite of being bombarded with the "You need to" comments. I am hoping to not have issues with our school district too, school is so new to us since Z is just starting preschool.
ReplyDeleteI would like to do it all calmly and come up with a workable solution. And then fight like crazy only if necessary. :-)
Good luck this school year!
I would have completely shutdown with all the "you need to" comments. Like you don't have enought to think about....worry about....sort through....now you have to please all those people too! No way!
ReplyDeleteI read your older post about the school situation. Unbelievable. You go with your gut and do whatever YOU feel you need to do.
Never forget....The way you care for Bekah is so amazing. And listen to me, Girlfriend, God is going to honor you for the diligent way you are caring for her and the attitude you are striving to possess....with your family and others.
You inspire me to be better. ANOTHER thing God will bless you for.
You are really storing up jewels for your crown in heaven one day!! : )
Good for you for trying to take the high road first. We are in the same boat with our school. The nurse told me I need to find someone who is willing to check Emma's BG if needed. What? It's hard to know what to do! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI, too, loved the "O to bitch" bit!
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your perspective. With grace and honor, that's the way to go. Besides, you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar!
Good luck and keep us posted!
When J was first diagnosed 12 years ago the group I went to had the same go get em attitude. I only went once becuase it wasn't really me. It took me 11 years to start a blog and finally reach out to other D moms. Follow your heart. Give your school a chance first, and if they don't cooperate then CHAAAAAARGE!
ReplyDeleteThere's never a "need to" or "should" or "have to". There's only what you choose to do. And what you choose is right for you.
ReplyDeleteI think that we D-mommys get protective of not only our own kids but other D-kids as well. And it hurts us all when one of our own is treated unjustly. Good luck with your school. In the end you need to work with them, not against them. Stay strong!