The First Day of the Rest of Our Lives

Last school year was marked with some hard times for my son and I. From the very beginning of first grade I knew something was not quite right. His teacher and I worked closely together for the majority of the year. As time went on it became more and more apparent that he was most likely struggling with dyslexia. After Christmas break, it became undeniable that action needed to be taken. With the full support of his teacher and principal, we spent three months living in another town while he attended a specialty school and was professionally diagnosed with dyslexia.

Today was "meet the teacher day." My son was filled with excitement and anxiety as we entered the school to discover who his second grade teacher would be.

This year is different from other years. Because my son was diagnosed in the middle of last school year, this is the first time we've gone to meet the teacher knowing that he was dyslexic. It doesn't really change much. However, I was thankful for the opportunity to discuss a few things with this teacher. Because my son attends a small private school, she had already spoken at great length with his first grade teacher. I have asked that he not be required to participate in a spelling bee. I asked if she would make an agreement with my son that he would not be called on to read out loud in class unless he raised his hand. She agreed and a pact was made between the two of them.

After today, I have great hope for this year. I feel optimistic that my son, his teacher, the school, and I will be able to work together to ensure my son's success. This will be a year of many "firsts". Today marks the first day for me and my role as an advocate for my son. Thus far I have only asked for two things and have not been met with any resistance whatsoever. I feel so blessed that he is in this caring environment. I look forward to this upcoming year.

Some much of the second half of first grade was spent just trying to get to this day. A lot of time, effort, money and hard work were put into just to make it to the second grade. In some ways I feel like today is the first day of the rest of our lives. I look forward to seeing what challenges and triumphs second grade will bring.