Dear Noah...

As I sat and watched you filling out your school Valentine cards I had a flashback to when you were still in kindergarten, not really talking, not really wanting to be with the other kids much, struggling in so many areas of your life and yet I think wanting to fit in.

I bought all these Valentine things a long time ago thinking, like most moms probably do, that one day you could take in treat bags for all your other classmates. But they have sat in a box for many years because you were homeschooled for a few years and we had no place to really use these items. Nothing but Valentine pencils, erasers and such.

Finally, this year, at the age of 9, I was able to unpack those items and make up those treat bags for you to take to school. Long past are the days when you could not even hold a pencil correctly let alone write or want to write. You used to get tired even writing one word. You breezed through filling out all 19 Valentine cards eagerly in minutes! You then decorated your Valentine box.....a lost art I think....one I treasure and remember from when I was a little girl. You were excited about your Valentine party today at school....but worried they would probably not have anything you would want to eat or drink. I really need to make special arrangements for you and that should be allowed. I do hope they have a little something you might like.

You made little LOVE gift certificates for me and your daddy and your grandma C. in your social skills group on Monday. I thought that was pretty sweet.


Occasions such as this remind me of just how far you have really come over the last few years. It is like you are finally awakening from a very long, at times fitful sleep.

I love you Noah, so very much.

Mommy
XOXOX