Proud Momma Moment
I am so proud of my sweet Emma because she struggled for years to learn to walk. But, she never let it stop her. She started taking ballet using a walker with a set, and leg braces. But two years after her first summer camp ballet class, she took a full year of ballet and during that time learned to walk. She was able to perform in her first recital standing proud by her friends. She still struggles and can’t do all the moves perfectly, but, for her to be up on that stage, proudly wearing her costume and ballet shoes, was a big moment after five years of struggling to walk. I am so proud of my sweet girl, who learned to walk at 5, and dance by 6.
~ Rachel Zook (Proud Mom)
Steps Towards Independence!
My son, Greysen (age 6 1/2), had a rough start to life. He consequently struggles with chronic mental illness including dysregulation of mood and emotion, is developmentally delayed, and has strong sensory irritations. Last night he proudly wrote the letters GT, his initials, and showed me he can put his shoes on his feet by himself! Independence is HUGE for him, and these two small steps were very proud moments!
~ Becky of Nebraska (Proud Mom)
Special Olympian!
I would like to share a photo of my daughter, Bailey Lemelin. Bailey is in the pink bathing suit. She won the bronze medal for swimming in the 15 meter meet in the Florida Special Olympics state level competition.
~ Deanna Lemelin (Proud Mom)
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hare a Proud Moment with us Next Issue! Proud Moments can be any time that you have been extremely proud of your child with special needs. It can be when they are giving it their all or reaching a milestone. You may feel you can only share your excitement or enthusiasm with someone that will really understand. We understand. submit@parentingspecialneeds.org
Photos courtesy of Deanna Lemelin and Rachel Zook