So today I thought I'd write about them, or more specifically, about my oldest daughter, who doesn't get her fair share of the blogging space, usually.
Just the other day, we had parent-teacher conferences, and her kindergarten teacher told me that she's been rated at 172/200 for proficiency in all the skills that they teach in kindergarten. I have no idea what numbers mean (and to tell you the truth, I usually don't worry too much about them), but the teacher told me that on average, a kindergarten student scores around 70. I guess to emphasize to me what he means. It was one of those moments for me, this teacher looking at me across the table, realizing (once again) that Loli is a special kid with unique needs and abilities. All kids are, of course. But this is MY kid. My special, unique kid with amazing talents and skills, and endearing weaknesses and challenges, too. I get to help her. How blessed am I?
This doesn't mean Loli doesn't benefit from kindergarten. Holy cow, she's become so much more social, she loves going, she loves re-learning stuff and learning new stuff (she talks to me sometimes about rectangular prisms and I pretend I know what she's talking about). I guess I just have to say that I've always known she's a unique kid, I've always known (from the time of her birth) that she's an extremely intelligent person, with a completely unique personality.
She had to grow up fast. Because of some difficulties that happened to us as a family, she was put in childcare at 9 months, and it was full time by the time she was two. She switched caregivers every year or so, and this worried me, except I never left, so she had me. I think this is what saved us; we had each other. I had to be sane and functional and productive and responsible despite my youth and the huge blow of all that happened, and she had to trust me to take care of her; and also be a little more independant than most toddlers. Sad in a way, amazing in a way.
Today, she is an amazing blend of kid and little adult. She loves pretending, she does it without embarrassment. She loves art and making stuff. She loves her my little ponies and dress ups.
She talks very maturely with the kids on the playground when they say mean things or push each other. And then she plays a crazy game of pretend involving the slide and monkey bars.
She talks about rectangular prisms and then wants me to read her "Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street."
Quite a kid. A wonderful companion, a champion friend, an amazing and (mostly) agreeable older sister, and an agreeable and (mostly) obedient little daughter. I can't imagine life without her, and I can't imagine being more grateful for someone in my life...
unless of course, I think of my other family members. I'm extremely grateful for ALL of them.
Your family sounds phenomenal! No doubt that is in large part due to the great wife/Mom you are to them. Keep up the good work!!
ReplyDeleteYou are more than welcome to adopt my Blogger's Bill of Rights. As for the signing ceremony, we might have to go the virtual route. Unless, of course, you're planning on a trip to So Cal anytime soon. 8^)
What a wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tribute to your daughter. One day this week I read an editorial by a man named Warren Bolton who is an associate editor at the State, THE SC newspaper. He has a young son who must be a toddler from the way he (Bolton) was describing him.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, the father said that he always talks to his son while they are in the car together. He said he'll look at him in the rear view mirror and tell him how much he loves him, how blessed he and his wife are to have him, what a special child he is, and how he can accomplish so much with all of his many gifts.
Then he went on to say how every child needs to hear these things, but unfortunately many hear things like, "You'll never amount to anything," or "I never wanted you." His point was that all children need positive affirmations and that it's our duty to help all kids. He feels that we might not have as many problems with gangs and so forth if parents took their responsibilities seriously and sincerely loved and encouraged their children...just like you're doing for Loli.
Doll face, i had tears forming in my eyes as i read this. i understand all too well how you feel but you do an amazing job of putting it to words! Thanks for everything i'm so blessed to have your example and friendship!
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