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Thursday, September 24, 2009

A blessed mom...




















I am sure in my earlier life if someone would have asked me if I would think I was blessed by having a special needs child, it would have been "NO!" I know that I have been blessed five times over with my wonderful children. That I do know! I have said many times over that Annabel has blessed my life in ways I couldn't have imagined. Anyone who is raising or has raised a special needs child will know that the day to day can be very hard. I count my blessings everyday that Annabel has a place to go. Her school is a wonderful, happy and safe environment that she is able to spend her day getting therapy, learning and BEING SO LOVED! Her teacher Ms. Ann, and the two aides Ms. Lisa and Ms. Alice are the most amazing people I know. Each and every day they do this over and over again. These people deserve a major recognition for their dedication to these children. Regina Howell Elementary School is this amazing safe haven that Annabel gets to retreat to each day and interact with children and adults of all ages. This year our school has been demolished to make room for a brand new school. Until the remodeling is complete, we are being housed in portable buildings. I have to say I was not looking forward to this school year because of the inconvience with a little farther drive, portable buildings, outside walkways, etc. I couldn't have been more wrong! They have taken and made this new site a very welcoming and safe area for our children. There is a very sweet lady in charge, Mrs. Rose Hardy the principal, who welcomes all with her gentle smile. She runs a tight ship and takes care of business. She has always made me feel like Annabel is the only child on campus, what mother wouldn't like this! It is wonderful to know that Annabel has visitors throughout the week that brighten up her day as well. I hear great stories when I pick Annabel up about her laughing and clapping when Mrs. Hardy sees her in the hall or how others have come to rock her on their breaks.

There is a program here called Parental Partners Awards Program where 27 principals nominate a parent from each of their schools to be honored. I was blessed to be one of the 27 parents honored today. What I really want to say is that IT IS MY HONOR to have been blessed to be Annabel's mother, and to have been lucky enough for my child to attend this wonderful school with the sweet teacher to love on my child each and every day. When Annabel was about to turn three and no longer be able to receive therapy from ECI, I was terrified of what to do next. After asking around for weeks to make the best choice possible for Annabel's next step, Regina Howell was the answer. Everyone explained how caring Mrs. Hardy and her staff were and so I went to visit. Ms. Ann eased my troubles and fell in love with Annabel at first site. From then on I knew that this was the best school for Annabel to attend. I appreciate all the hard work and effort that everyone puts in each day to help Annabel learn and grow into the person that she is today!!

14 comments:

Kathy said...

Congratulations on being honored Cathy!

Thanks for the beautiful tribute to the wonderful principal and the teachers who love and care for our sweet princess Annabel!

Love the pictures! She is so beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing your joy and blessings with all of us and allowing us to love and care for Annabel from afar.

ANewKindOfPerfect said...

Congratulations Cathy, that is wonderful! It is great to know that our kids go somewhere where they are not only cared for, but truly loved. :)

We are DEFINATELY blessed!

Yin May said...

Cathy,
I would nominate you anyday too for the award! I believe annabel's joy is a reflection of how much joy she receives from those in her life.

Yes it's great to go somewhere where you know your child is specially loved...and given individual attention.

Keep smiling, Annabel!

Hilary said...

Congrats!!! Cathy you look beautiful in the pictures too..of course Annabel always looks cute :)

Kenzie said...

Congratulations Cathy... it is an honor that you DEFINITELY deserve!! You are such a wonderful mother to Annabel and your love and care for her is exactly what God has called you for in this time. I know that it is hard and exhausting some days (or at least I can imagine) but you are amazing!!

I LOVE the pictures of that sweet, happy girl and I can't wait to see y'all again soon! Praise God for Annabel, you and that amazing school. (And Tara and the rest of your family!)

Love you!

Mrs Redboots (Annabel Smyth) said...

Congratulations on the award, but I bet it was really well-deserved.

Lovely photos - what a happy and smiling girl you have! Did you do the pretty embroidery on the collar of her dress yourself? It's beautiful.

The VW's said...

Annabel is SUCH A BLESSING, but SO ARE YOU!!! Congrats!! Love and Hugs!!!

Kathy said...

You added some new pictures since I commented so I need to tell you that you look great with the new haircut!

The joy that excudes from your precious girl when she is hugging her Mommy and her Tara! Wow! It pops off the page and into my heart!!! Her smile is truly amazing!

Wherever HE Leads We'll Go said...

Congratulations! Annabel's school sounds like a wonderful place. That has to give you such comfort to know that you get a break from the day to day routine and you don't have to worry about her for a second. She is with people who love and care about her. What a blessing!

By the wat, Annabel has THE best smile!

Anonymous said...

Nobody deserves the honor more than you! You're a great mom and are as much a blessing to Annabel as she is to you. Somehow life just works out that way...

Annie

Kelly said...

so awesome to see those big smiles of annabel's!!! you are a great mom and you definitely deserve to be honored. it's wonderful that you are so happy with her school. some people have so many issues with their child's school so it's good to hear of a great place.

Anonymous said...

That award was tailor made for you!! Congratulations! The pictures are so heart warming! Annabel is just a fountain of love!! Congratulations! Lisa

The Snell Family said...

It feels great to be honred for the things we love doing, to be recognized by those outside your home is very wonderful.
I love those hugs Annabel is giveing you, Arna has started to hug more, and really tight too.
I heard through the vine that Kourtney is going to be your nanny, how special, and yes I am jealous. I would love to have her too, she loves our kiddos so much.
Give your sweetie love for us!
Julianna

Wherever HE Leads We'll Go said...

I have nominated you for an award. Come on over to my blog to pick it up. : )