This post is a little different than my usual posts; but it's ok to be different! I usually describe my card or layout, but today I want to share a story. So, grab a cup of coffee............
Today I'm feeling just a little bit proud. Now I realize pride goeth before the fall, but I think I'm entitled to this!
Any mother would be proud to have her child graduate from a major university, but my situation is a little different----my son is a little different!
My little guy did not speak in sentences until he was almost 5; even then he had to be motivated! We learned early on he had a serious passion for horses. The first time he rode, he smiled until he had to get off the horse. Then it was a nightmare! That night at dinner he spoke one of his first sentences. We started him in riding lessons and watched his language grow!
My husband and I were told he would not read or write when he was in 1st grade. We got through that with intensive therapies and reading programs. School was very difficult for him and soon he refused to go. We had moved out to the country and acquired our own horses. So, I used these resources and I homeschooled my guy. He also worked with a very special riding instructor who was a teacher who helped along the way.
Keith had always loved the 4-H program, so we thought we might be able to motivate him to slowly integrate into the school system using the FFA/Agriculture program. Sure enough, it worked! Counselors at the school still did not have high hopes for him and told me to start planning for what he might do after he aged out of HS. After watching him win awards in 4-H Public Speaking and Demonstrations, I knew what my son could do. I'd seen him train difficult horses, win ribbons and trophies, make tough decisions, and keep moving mountains. He never gave up!
He graduated HS in 4 years with technical honors and was accepted at PU in 2011. Last Friday, we attended his graduation from Purdue University School of Agriculture. Today he started an internship with an agricultural company.
Yes, I'm just a little too proud, a lot happy, and very thankful for our friends who helped us along our journey! You might be wondering if he is still a little different..........yep, he is. But he has come a long way! He is a volunteer firefighter, has friends, loves vehicles and horses, and makes his mom proud every moment!
He also inspired me to take what I have learned and teach therapeutic horsemanship. Now we have 11 students in our program PATCH by Design. When some of the parents come to me and tell me how their child is a little different, I simply smile and look forward to the ride!
This LO is off to the following challenges:
Path of Positivity: Perseverance
Use Your Stuff: Chevrons
Pile It On: Not Cute
613 Avenue Create: Anything Goes
Lasting Memories: Determination
Thanks for coming by today to see my layout and read my story! If you'd like to learn more about PATCH, press the word.
LOVED reading your story! WOW!!! You should totally be the proudest Mom!!! I certainly would! I'm so happy for your son... How lucky he is to have his parents stand by him even though others thought differently.. He showed them as did you!!! The Layout is wonderful too.... I can see... he's gonna keep moving those mountains! Best of luck to his long happy future! :) Have A Great DAY!!! :)
ReplyDeleteTheresa
Scrappers Anonymous
This looks great! The black and gold chevron paper is perfect for a graduation and I just loved reading your story! Thanks for joining us this week at Use Your Stuff!
ReplyDeleteOh wow! This is the best story! Brought a tear to my eye!! I have friend that works at a Therapeutic Horse ranch where I live. It is a non-profit and she does this on top of her regular job. The kids it inspires!! So lovely and so proud for you and your son. Never give up. My motto is "One Day at a time." My son developed an anxiety issue about 15 months ago. He is almost 9 and things are getting easier. But boy... for 12 months I didn't know what I was going to do. All of the sudden his confidence went out the window and he was so scared of normal things. Now with his school and sports, you would never know. But we still have small obstacles such as traveling to an unknown place etc. Good for you! Love your page a bunch!! Thanks for joining us at Lasting Memories!! :)
ReplyDeleteYou should be proud and shout it to the rooftops. Great layout and story. Thanks for sharing with us at Lasting Memories.
ReplyDeleteYou have every right to be a proud Momma! Awesome, inspiring story that you shared with us! Congratulations to your son, too! Thanks so much for joining us at Use Your Stuff and Lasting Memories!
ReplyDeleteLovely take on the challenge! Thanks for playing at use your Stuff!
ReplyDeleteThis is a really great LO and I just loved your story. Congrats. Thanks for playing at 613 avenue create and good luck. Hope to see you back soon. Bettina GDT xx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful story :) Your one determined momma too :) So happy for him, glad that he got into the field that he is in too. Super layout
ReplyDeleteThanks for playing along with us over at Lasting Memories
Tina LMDT
What an amazing story - congratulations on you for homeschooling him through and picking up on his aptitude for agriculture, perfect layout showcasing his determination and success, wishing him all the best in his bright future! Thankyou for joining us at Lasting Memories
ReplyDeleteWhat amazing and special story. Your have every reason and more to be super proud of your awesome son. You are such an inspiration. Thank you for entering our perseverence challenge over at Path of Positivity. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteHugs Desíre {Doing Life}
What an absolutely wonderful testament to the concept of perseverance. You have every reason to be proud of your son's accomplishments. I worked with college students who had learning disabilities and ADD and many went through similar hardships as children. It is incredibly fulfilling to see anyone who has struggled with learning, to succeed in such a spectacular way. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us over at the Path of Positivity.
ReplyDeleteLisa D., Owner