Tranistions

Today I met the physical therapist from Taos Municipal Schools.  He will be working with Christian this fall when he transitions into the public school system. The purpose of the visit was for him to get to know Christian a little, and see what he is doing in terms of movement.  It was strange for me to be talking to someone about Christian's abilities, and what we are working on, instead of the other way around.  Christian has been working with his current physical therapist since we brought him home from the hospital at six weeks.  She is practically a member of our family, and Christian loves her unconditionally.  It is hard for me to imagine anyone else working with my son, when she is the reason he has accomplished so much, and is doing so well. 

It is also hard to start working with a new therapist, because he automatically assumes Christian is doing more than he is.  He asked about three times if Christian was crawling, like he just couldn't imagine that he wasn't.  It was a little heartbreaking to continuously repeat the skills Christian doesn't have, and I quickly tried to steer the conversation towards what he can do, although I also know it is important for him to understand exactly where Christian is in his development.  Overall though, it was a good visit, and Christian warmed up to the new therapist.

Change is always hard.  This is a big change.  It feels like a very big door is closing, and I'm not sure what we are stepping into.  Watching Christian today, I felt a little more at ease, knowing that it is possible for him to work with someone new.  I had always imagined that his current therapist would be the one who helped him crawl, pull up to a stand, and take his first steps.  It is strange to think of someone else doing those things.  Today I realized that the important part is not who he meets those goals with, but that he will meet them.  That will be the most beautiful transition of all.