disneymom2one
All our dreams can come true, if we have the coura
- Joined
- Jun 15, 2001
Glad to find this thread again - and I'm really glad I'm not the only one who's had a tough time with all of this. It's been a really tough summer for me. She is our only one and it's just going to be a lot different for us. Our situation is somewhat challenging as I (think) I explained before. She's (from what we understand) one of the few kids this school has ever had to be admitted to both the honors program and a very specialized program for students with autism. We are super proud of all she's accomplished and she has defied many, many of the predictions that were made so many years ago but this is going to be huge step for her. I'm really trying to cope. Running helps a lot and I'm doing it every day right now as part of a challenge (can you run 100 days straight - I'm on day 49).
Anyway, we did orientation as well - a few weeks ago. She stayed in the dorm overnight without us and did very, very well - better than I did at the parent orientation sessions which honestly just overwhelmed me (and I teach at a community college). Move - in day is August 22. It's just an hour away from us but that is way further than she has ever been without us. Even reading this, I sound a little nuts to myself. We've told her over and over that she's ready (and she honestly is ready). Admittedly, the autism and multiple learning issues have taken a lot of time and energy but we have (especially the last few years) really worked on those independent living skills and she does pretty well. She's texted with her roommate and also has made a couple of friends who will be in the same dorm with her. That's been really nice to see - she made friends at both the honors day in January and again at orientation. That could not have happened a few years ago and does make me feel better.
One thing my husband and I were told to do by some friends was to take that weekend away so after we drop her off, we're headed to a nice resort we've always wanted to spend some time at. It's a place I know we'll like and it's given me something to focus on. It's not too far away but it will save us coming home to the house for a couple of days.
Anyway, much thanks to everyone who contributes to this thread. It's nice to not feel so alone.
Anyway, we did orientation as well - a few weeks ago. She stayed in the dorm overnight without us and did very, very well - better than I did at the parent orientation sessions which honestly just overwhelmed me (and I teach at a community college). Move - in day is August 22. It's just an hour away from us but that is way further than she has ever been without us. Even reading this, I sound a little nuts to myself. We've told her over and over that she's ready (and she honestly is ready). Admittedly, the autism and multiple learning issues have taken a lot of time and energy but we have (especially the last few years) really worked on those independent living skills and she does pretty well. She's texted with her roommate and also has made a couple of friends who will be in the same dorm with her. That's been really nice to see - she made friends at both the honors day in January and again at orientation. That could not have happened a few years ago and does make me feel better.
One thing my husband and I were told to do by some friends was to take that weekend away so after we drop her off, we're headed to a nice resort we've always wanted to spend some time at. It's a place I know we'll like and it's given me something to focus on. It's not too far away but it will save us coming home to the house for a couple of days.
Anyway, much thanks to everyone who contributes to this thread. It's nice to not feel so alone.