Letting 'em Fly

[Emilysmom]

Just a quick "Emily update". She has been at TN School for the Blind for a year and a half now. It is absolutely amazing how good this school has been for her!! It has increased her independence in so many ways. She is considered to be a "Senior" this year, and the Senior trip for TSB is a ski trip to Aspen CO.
So, last Friday morning, Emily flew to CO with 11 other Seniors and will be at a ski resort for a week!! It is by far, the furthest from home she has ever been.....not to mention that by the time she gets home, it will have been the longest she has ever been away from home. (13 days total!!) And, apparently, her dad and I are the only ones having a hard time with it. We have received a couple texts from her and it sounds like she is having a blast! Her only fear was that she would fall down.....and in her last text (responding to my question "have you fallen down"?) she said "Oh no". I'm thrilled for her, but sure do miss her!! I posted about her trip on FB, and one of my friends commented "We give them wings.....and we have to let them fly". So true!

[Emilysmom]

Oops!! I almost forgot the "rest" of my update. At school, the counselor asked Emily what she wanted to do in May when she graduates. The lady called me and told me what Emily said........... oh my! She said she had a friend who went to TN Rehab Center about a year ago. This girl went to high school with Emily and bowls with Emily now on Friday nights. Emily told the counselor that she IS going to go to the same school that Lindsey went to, and is going to take the "apartment living" module. In this module, students live (with one room mate) in an apartment and are taught about how to live alone.....with the goal of getting an apartment at the end of the class. The counselor told Emily she would call me and discuss it with me, and Emily told her NOT to call me. She said "This is MY thing. I am going to do it". So, in January, we are going to go to the school and do a tour and see what they have to offer. (There is not the "age out" issue there, so she could go there after she turns 22 in July).

So, now at bowling on Friday nights, she is talking to another girl about going with her to this new school. I'm thrilled that she is becoming more vocal about her goals.....a real "self advocate"!

[Jackie]

This is just wonderful Susan...so proud of Emily and you too for letting go .

[logansmom]

Yes, those wings are definitely starting to unfurl! What a great "Emily update."

Kim

[Kaylis]

It's wonderful she's doing so well, and that you are handling it as well as you are.