Another IEP meeting in the books. And as usual, my emotions have been thrown in the spin cycle. I might get a little naughty by nature.
So, I have some high expectations for my son. I have some standards. I also have some unbreakable belief in those thoughts/feelings as well, and an ASD diagnosis did not change a thing. It isn’t blind love that makes it that way. It just is. I swear to god I know it. Not only because I have always had those beliefs, but because G has reinforced them. Yup. Somehow he is my backbone.
My son is a god damn beast. He is a monster. He is ruthless with the worlds low set bars. Maybe he should be a hurdler? Or high jumper? Or something like that. Not only because he is on his toes all the time, and those calves would probably thrust him to a 55″ vertical, but just because. Because he has been crushing this nonsense since he was 20 months old. Figure that. 75% of his life he has been working hard, and getting it done. 75%. He is not even 7 yet. Shit, that makes me upset. Wowza.
But I digress. My point is my expectations for him. Maybe my family is fortunate to be allowed those high expectations. Maybe… or maybe those high expectations partly make it that way. 🤷🏻♂️.
He doesn’t get excuses. He doesn’t get free passes. That stuff drives me nuts! He is held to a high standard, as he should be.
As we sat in the meeting today, I must cycle through a pick 6 of emotions like, 4 or 5 times. I’m proud. I’m pissed. I’m defensive. I’m hopeful. I’m sad. I’m content.
And believe me, overall, it really does hurt. A solid kick right to my sweet peaches. Am I allowed to write that?
But mostly, I am quiet. I just sit quiet. I just sit, and allow myself to move through the checklist of emotions that are part of parenthood in general, and this particular process even more so. I sit, and I keep the faith I have in him, and everyone else around him as well. That is what allows the high expectations. No reason to panic. No reason to sweat (which anyone that knows me, is the dumbest thing I have ever written, because my pits are always drenched! 😂😂😂. But you know what I mean…). Just sit, and be quiet.
I’m sure most of you would agree this is common sense for all of our kids… but my advice to those of you interested:
Have some high expectations, for all of you. Don’t be afraid to fall/fail.
Whatever the goal, whatever the standard, keep them high for the ones you love. This will help you to always move forward, regardless of the pace at which you are advancing.
Oh, and drink before you actually go to the meeting…
Cheers! 🍻 🍷
The Fleurys.
A Fleury of Life 