Graduation

I just got home from dropping Richy off at school. Today will be his first full day.

This morning I woke up at 5, and couldn't go back to sleep. What if he has a seizure, I thought. What if he takes his scleral shell out? Will they know what to do? Maybe I should talk to the nurse. I don't know if he's ever kept his shoes on for a whole day before... just thoughts.

We parked in the parking lot and packed the babies in the stroller under a light rain. Richy was playing with a baby toy in the backseat, and I said "You have to leave that here, honey."

Elly (the autism coordinator) walked us to the special class and pretty soon, someone came and held my baby's hand and walked him into their kitchen, so he could put his own lunch in the fridge. And I was just standing there with the babies and the teacher...

I talked to the teacher for a while, just trying to get a feel for how connected can parents be... and then I went in the kitchen to say goodbye. He was busy, sitting at the table with the other specials and eating a muffin. I knelt down and said goodbye, and got a stiff little hug and kiss.

And then Toby and Bean and I walked out in the rain and left him there. I have no doubt he will have a terrific time, and learn so many skills toward independence. It's just hitting me that independence means less dependence on me.