Last Day of School

It is the day I dread each year.  The last day of school.  No more routine, very little quiet time for mom.  Hours to fill with meaningful activities that Tanner will enjoy.  All in the middle of a hot, hot summer!

I have a plan this summer (like usual) and Tanner has quite a few things on his calender so there aren’t too many days to fill.  And I have quite a few ideas for that!  I am confident that we will get through and I will survive yet another summer.

As I sit here waiting for his bus to bring him home, I am reflecting on the past school year.  This was Tanner’s first year at high school and the first time for him to attend his “home” school.  Finally, I was familiar with a school and knew what it would be like for him.  I had high expectations for high school and I think that they were met.

Tanner did so many things this year.  He sat through all of the Hebron Pep Rallies.  That is a huge accomplishment because those pep rallies are LOUD.  He attended several of the Hebron Football games and for one game, sat with his peers and teachers for the whole first half with NO HEADPHONES!!!!  He got to be in the Homecoming parade.  He went on many community outings and participated in the group “Circle of Friends”!  (Amazing kids in that group!)

This spring he attended the Grand Ball with all of his Circle of Friends buddies.  He wore a tuxedo and had a date.  He made it through the sit down dinner and one dance at the ball.  Next year, hopefully he will stay longer!  Just a couple of weeks ago, he won 2nd place in filing at the LISD Job Olympics.  He was filing alphabetically.  He just participated in the Special Olympics State Gymnastics meet and won 7 medals.  He left all of those medals on until we went to eat lunch.  I think he really liked them!!!

He has really matured in the past year.  Sure, he is still very far behind his peers, but he is his own wonderful person.  We celebrate every achievement, big & small!  I am so appreciative for the wonderful teachers and professionals that worked with him this year at school.  I’m excited for next year and all the progress that I know he will make.  And so for that reason, I will soldier through the long days of summer.  School starts in 80 days!  But who’s counting?!!!!