This weekend I was the guest speaker at the Nevada Walk for Apraxia and stayed with the walk coordinator Alyssa Hampson and her family. I flew in the day before the walk, and her house looked very typical of any other walk coordinator. It was bursting with items such as goody bags for the kids, prizes for the silent auction, food and beverages for breakfast, signage, T-shirts, and so much
In my opinion, Ashlynn’s birth history was significant. No, she wasn’t born premature. No, there wasn’t a dramatic rush to the ER. However, I was failing to dilate or efface and the labor was taking so long that vaginal fetal electrodes were placed on her head. In addition, every contraction brought concern to the fetal hear monitor. My OB recommended at least three times that I get a C-section; but
Those familiar with my story know that I missed apraxia in Ashlynn because I was convinced she had CP (cerebral palsy). She had a significant birth history and had to be pulled out via C-section and all of her motor milestones were late. Tummy time was a nightmare. I was always so stressed about it because she literally seemed like she was suffocating and couldn’t pull herself up for air.
My dearest Ashlynn, Your courage amazes me daily. It inspires me and pushes me beyond any limit real or imagined. Today was your first day of 3rd grade. You have been waiting for this day since the last day of 2nd grade. Actually, quite possibly since the first day of 2nd grade when you told me,“After 2nd grade you I will be in 3rd grade!” I emphatically responded, “We need
This year as you talk to you children about their new teacher, new classroom, and new adventures, I beg you to talk to your kids about being kind. I beg you to explain to your child that children with disabilities are just like them, but it might take a little longer to understand or get to know them. If nothing else though, please just teach your children to be kind. Maybe ask about something they did that was kind alongside your questions of who they played with or what they learned.
Old faces, new faces, and the passing of the torch. The selfless individuals who had been there before were still there giving back like they always had and a new wave stood by their sides ready to continue the mission. I have so much respect and love for the past, and I’m so excited for the future!
The mission has never changed and was never about any one person. It’s about Apraxia and Kids.
Every Child Deserves a Voice.
Let’s see this mission continue to spread!