Let Me Fly

A new, popular song called “Let Me Fly” really affected me this past week. It was the last week of junior high for my son with a disability. Our family had been having the worst two weeks ever. Aggressive outbursts had resulted in good ol’ mom taking a trip up to the school and having a talk with “the child” about unacceptable behavior. I can't remember a time when I have been so discouraged about his behavior, health, schooling…pretty much about his entire future.

By that time of the school year, I was just numb. But there we were, the last week of school, and preparing to make the huge transition to high school next year. So, we go and meet his Life Skills teacher and another Special Ed head honcho for a tour at the high school he will be attending in the fall. But then, something amazing happened. Something I didn’t expect.

We went around the school and met counselors, principals, school nurses. They would ask my child—my child!--his name and he would answer, "Jackson.” He answered on demand.

They would ask him how he was doing and he would answer, "I'm doing good.” 

GOOD! I just stared. I stared as if he was Albert Einstein. This child, this beautiful, wonderful, child who has fought all odds with health issues, seizures, frustrations with autism, just gave you his name and told you how he was doing. I am sure they thought I was nuts. I couldn't have been more proud if he had just been named valedictorian. As I got to my car, this song was playing called “Let Me Fly" by Mike + The Mechanics:

            Let Me Fly, Let Me Fly, Oh Let Me Fly

            If I Don't Try, I Will Never Know

            Let Me Fly, Let Me Fly, Oh Let Me Fly

            See How High I Can Go

And I cried. I cried because we have missed milestone after milestone. We have heard disappointing news continuously. We get scary medical news frequently and I can't count the number of times we are frustrated.

But, this day reminded me of progress. Of progress that is yet to be made and of the many blessings that have come our way. So, to my dear Jackson, fly, baby, fly!

Transitioning to another school can bring lots of change. Learn ways to ease your child’s transition into adulthood.