Every once in a while, the stars align and, yet again, you get to lease an angel. All the dead ends and speed bumps along the way make it worth it because the road brings you to these people that you feel honored to bring in to your child's life. Therapist, respite, teacher, nurse, doctor, surgeon.
This is their job. They downplay their role in our life. They try to turn it around to give us the credit. They discount the magnitude of the joy and relief I feel seeing him connect with others outside our family. They love him and they get him. And they get me, which is also a task. When I see Luke run to any of these people and embrace them, I feel a tightness I didn't even realize that was there, release. He is going to be ok. One day, when I am not here anymore, he is going to be ok. Knowing they are my safety net. Knowing that they pick up what I miss.... That is the reason I am ok. That is the reason Luke is ok. Luke started school today. Now, not preschool in a conventional kind of atmosphere. We aren't there yet. Today he started homebound school. This is a program for medically or emotionally fragile students in public schools to still receive an education, even if they can't come to school with the other kids. So as the buses full of students pulled away from Mt. Tabor, where I work, I clocked out as a teacher and for the first time, I stood on the sidewalk and became just a mom. We walked into the building and I swelled with pride, hoping to run in to people in the hallway who have been praying for and rooting for Luke for almost four years. We walked hand-in-hand to the classroom and I watched Luke explore and process his new environment with no fear and so much excitement and wonder. His teacher is someone I have had the privilege of knowing for twenty years and someone I have been working with and in awe of for 10. She, just like so many people who are in Luke's life, reinforces the Special in "Special Needs". They are people you pass in the grocery store and have no idea the lifesaving talents and gifts they possess. When we first walked in I had convinced myself that it was just like another therapy session, no big deal. But as we pulled out of the parking lot, it hit me. And yet again, the realization began to leak from my tear ducts. Luke just went to school. Luke just used crayons. Luke just sat at a table... on tile...without a helmet. Luke Harrison, the boy who had 15 seizures a day in December just went to school. To the angels in our life now and the ones we have yet to encounter, remember, your drive to work might as well be in a chariot with trumpets blaring in the background. I know you don't get paid much, but I know that money is not what fills the account that you value the most. The work you do matters. The work you do is noticed and appreciated and valued. The work you do saves. Thank you, Angels, for being available for lease...
18 Comments
Terri
2/28/2017 05:10:28 pm
Wow. Just wow. Tears of absolute joy. And you are right. Those heroes are just that - heroes. I'm so glad you have them in your life and in Luke's. Enjoy this, mom. You've earned it. And so has Luke. Love you always and always.--Terri
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Becky Stotts
2/28/2017 05:30:40 pm
Wow what a wonderful thing to read. And that Ms. Applegate...she's the best. <3
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Teshea Barbee
2/28/2017 05:30:40 pm
WOW! Just WOW!!!!
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Cheryl
2/28/2017 05:37:54 pm
Wow! Tears to here too!
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Rosie
2/28/2017 06:00:30 pm
Amazing! And wow, you said it so well... So many people are so special and awesome at what they do! And this is such a great experience for you! Stephanie, you are amazing everyday.... Just like all the ones that have been put in your path to help you teach, nurture, and lead Luke to his promising future! Love to you on this special day!!
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Kerri Betancourt-Neal
2/28/2017 06:04:58 pm
So many praises going up tonight. I can't wait to see your sweet Luke in the hall and love on your angel. Hugs. 😇
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Byrds
2/28/2017 06:08:05 pm
How wonderfully awesome!! Xoxo
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Marty
2/28/2017 06:43:57 pm
This is fantastic news! Prayers are being answered....
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Pam Lumley
2/28/2017 07:17:57 pm
How wonderful! And what a blessing Pam Applegate has been to Luke and so many others! Some of life's GIANT Blessings! 😘
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Kristin D
2/28/2017 07:48:02 pm
Love this ❤ so glad to hear he is doing so well!!! Best wishes always!
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Brenda
2/28/2017 07:59:37 pm
Luke is surrounded by angels! Miracles happen! Love you! ❤
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Karen
3/1/2017 05:50:06 am
Wow! Just wow! That does not explain the joy we are all experiencing with this news. Everyone is so proud of you and so overjoyed with all the "new" days you and Luke are sharing!
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beth white
3/1/2017 07:44:22 am
So happy for both of yo Can't wait to work with him!!
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Donna
3/2/2017 05:39:07 am
Stephanie, you gave me goose bumps! Your journey has been inspiring in so many ways. Thanks for sharing so much with all of us. I'm convinced that little man of yours is going to conquer the world!
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Marita Witten
3/26/2017 08:58:19 am
Safe travels. Prayers and a great follow-up report🙏 Hope you all are able to meet up with John. He's looking forward to your visit. Love you guys❤🙏🙏🙏
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Jenny hupp
5/16/2017 08:16:38 pm
I love this!!! So proud of him
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11/13/2018 04:21:40 pm
Stephanie, you've always been an amazing woman since day one. I don't have any doubt that you will succeed indoor chosen endeavor. As a mom, I know that you're quire worried with everything that is happening with Luke. But he is growing old, and we must allow him to spread his wings so he can fly alone. This is just the start of something new for him, and I love how supportive you are to him. Soon, he will thank you for all the sacrifices you've done to him!
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AuthorMother of two amazing little boys, one who just happens to be a TS warrior. Categories
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