Where to Start

That is the nagging question, where do I start? There is such an abundance of information to wade through. Evaluations, diagnosis, online data, books, support groups, informational classes, 504s, IEPs, physiology, parenting resources, educational advocacy, medicines, exercises, relaxation, structural recommendations, how-to this, how-to that, do this, don't do that, hurry up, be patient...

Information overload.

Where do you start to try understand what your child needs. What does he need first? Who do I need? What I really need is advice from someone who is just a few months ahead of me in the process. But not just anyone, Someone who has taken the right steps, not only in the right direction, but in the right order. Is there a right order? Is there a right direction?

I think that all depends on the child. Where does he need the most help, the quickest? What can I do that is most beneficial for him at this point in our journey?

I don't have answers to any of these questions. What I do have is instinct. I'd like to think I've gained a little wisdom in my time on earth. I think what my son needs most from me, not just now, but always, is to know that I care, to know that I love him and to know that I will do anything I am able to do to help him in this life. In that, he is no different from any child.

We attended a class tonight that was focused on helping in the area of school challenges. While I think the general information given was a little ahead of where we are, we did get a couple of lists of more resources. I have been able to check out a few of the ones I've already collected and found some that appear as though they will be helpful and some that might not fit our needs. I'm planning on attending another one, hosted by one of the well-spoken of resources, tomorrow. I am very interested in hearing from other parents in what I hope will be a well-moderated session. I think this will be an opportunity to get an opinion or three on my nagging question, where to start.

If I can digress for a moment, and I think, being that this is my blog, I have permission... One thing that annoys me greatly at meetings like these are those people that seem to think that their specific concerns are worthy of stopping the entire meeting for. A lady tonight, during a two-hour overview, asked several questions that related only to her child, not on the topic being spoken of, and right in the middle of the facilitator speaking. One being, how to get my child to stop blowing spit bubbles... Time and place ma'am, time and place.

I feel the need to hit the ground running in this marathon, but I just want to be sure I don't run 26 miles in the wrong direction. I don't run that well as it is. It would be quite an accomplishment to win the New York Marathon while running the Boston Marathon. Or, I guess in my case, to finish dead last in one while running the other...

It is essential to aim in the correct direction if you are to have any chance of hitting the target. When it comes to my child, I don't want to waste any ammunition firing blindly at targets that have no value. I know I won't always hit the bullseye, but I fully intend on giving it my best shot, every time.

This has been a bit of a ramble, but I think it probably illustrates where my head is right now. Pray for direction.