Just like you...only different: An open letter to Aiden's Kindergarten classmates
Congratulations on this huge milestone in your lives! Kindergarten is SO much fun and such a huge step. Many of you are leaving your mommies and daddies a few hours a day for the first time ever. You may feel nervous, excited, scared and so many more emotions and that is okay.My little guy Aiden is starting this journey too. He is most excited about riding the big yellow school bus with his brother, but he is nervous about going to a new school and making new friends.
Can I let you know a little secret? I am his mommy and I am nervous too.You see, Aiden is a very special boy. Aiden has Apert syndrome.
When I look at him, I see his big bright eyes, his long and luscious eye lashes that would make any woman envious. I see the soft brown freckles sprinkled ever so delicately across his cheeks and nose. I am drawn to his contagious smile. I don't notice the scar on his head or that his face looks a little different.
But I know you probably will.
I marvel at the hands that have been refined by an amazing surgeon giving him fingers where there once were none. I watch in awe as he twists the cap off a water bottle or cuts a piece of paper into a million scraps. I see perfectly created little toes that make shoe shopping a week-long challenge. I don't think his hands are strange or his toes are weird.
But you might think so.
When I hear Aiden talk, I am reminded of when so many doctors and specialists told me he may have hearing loss that would effect his speech. That language may always be a struggle. Needless to say, he has proven them all wrong. When I talk to Aiden I don't think he's hard to understand.
But it may be difficult for you to know what he's saying sometimes.
I don't mind if you notice these special things about him. Most people do. However it is my hope that when you are learning your ABC's and colors of the rainbow, that you also learn how to accept my little boy. That before you decide not to sit next to him on the bus or share your crayons with him during art, you give him a chance.
He will make you laugh with his little jokes and silly songs. He will be a great friend, always ready to help you hang your backpack or put the blocks away. And my Aiden? He gives the best hugs, hands down.
Get to know him. That's all I ask. And when you do, you will understand - Aiden is just like you...only different.
Hope you all have a wonderful year!
Love, Aiden's mommy
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Precious! I love your little Aiden already!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great letter! Made me cry! My prayer is that kids love him for who he is, a child of GOD. who is perfect!- Heather Compton
ReplyDeleteOh Taryn,
ReplyDeleteTears in my eyes. Beautiful. I am praying for your sweet boy to find loving friends and kind classmates.
Blessings,
Laura
As a teacher of special needs (working in a kindergarten classroom), I believe Aiden will be welcomed with open arms. I have found kindergarten students to be so loving and accepting of one another. They can't wait to help their friend if he/she needs help. They seem to be oblivious of looks or disability...they just see a friend who might need some extra help or kindness. That's what I love most about kindergarten! With parents like you...Aiden will continue to be one blessed little boy! Thanks for sharing! Much love, peace, hugs and prayers sent your way!!!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you all and thank you for sharing your BEAUTIFUL letter!
ReplyDeleteDifferent- No- He's A Beautiful Gift From God! A Gift and a Blessing as well as his mom and family!
ReplyDeleteI love this. Not all Kindergarteners are very accepting of differences. Sadly they learn to categorize people at such a young age. It isn't easy being different, it isn't easy being curious and not having a filter and having a teacher hush you. Your letter really gives a dual purpose, a chance for the kids to learn as well as to be welcoming to a new friend.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to introduce your wonderful little boy to his new classmates and the parents of his classmates. I hope the parents are caring enough to share this with their children. Children can b so accepting and caring when they are given the chance and encouraged to do so. I wish you and your little boy the best and wish him a wonderful year with new friends, who care about him and see him like you do.
ReplyDeleteWhow
ReplyDeleteBeing the mother of a now grown man with developmental disABILITIES, I've lived this experience. We lived it just the 2 of us. Altho my son didn't look different he acted much different. We were in a head-on collision when he was 6 wks of age resulting in TBI w/autistic tendancies. In other words the part of the brain that was damaged was the part that controlled his social interaction. CONGRATS to mom for thinking of such an AWESOME way to introduce her son. I wish I would've thought about this 30 yrs ago when my son started "head start" at age 3. However back then kids with learning disABILITIES were segregated and me NOT knowing I knew my child better than anyone, didn't know I had a say in his education. OR that I could actually be involved in his education PLUS they (the educators) were suppose to be the PROFESSIONALS and know more than myself. Little did I know and OH HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED!! Mom KEEP UP THE AWESOME JOB!!! With you on his side he doesn't have ANYTHING to worry about. He'll be accepted by most every one of his peers. HOWEVER, if he's NOT don't let it discourage you, because CHILDREN ARE NOT BORN TO DISCRIMINATE, nor are they born with HATRED. IT IS TAUGHT and you will ALWAYS HAVE those who's PARENTS HAVE TAUGHT THEM HATE. So be prepared (and I know you will with that kind of imagination) to explain to Aiden no one is perfect walking on this earth. AGAIN, I know with your love and support he will be just fine. WAY TO GO MOM!!!! & Aiden HAVE A GREAT TIME IN SCHOOL, with your mom on your side I KNOW YOU'LL GO FAR!!!!! D.Smith
ReplyDeleteLovely.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!! How much more we learn at school besides school work!!!
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't already, I'd like to suggest a great book called "Wonder." Its a beautiful story. God bless!
ReplyDeleteSynopsis
August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.
What a wonderful letter!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the wonderful comments! I enjoy reading each and every one as it only solidifies in my mind that advocating for Aiden in ways like this is a positive thing...and it is working!
ReplyDeleteKent - I have actually had the pleasure of reading Wonder. In fact, read it last year with my older son Ethan and he loved it too. What a great book!
for Aiden, May the Lord bless and keep you, May he make His face shine upon you and bring you peace. May the Lord open the hearts and minds of people, young and old, to see you for the beautiful gift you are and all you have to give. Have a blessed life little one! and a great time in kindergarten :) <3
ReplyDeleteThank you for this wonderful welcome letter. So often the line is that kids with disabilities are "more alike than different." I think your phrasing will be the one I use going forward: just like you--only different. I hope Aiden has a great year in Kindergarten.
ReplyDeleteYou are a wonderful Mom. I share your hope . I really hope Aiden has a great time in school * making friends and learning. Blessing to u both..Jo
ReplyDeleteWith tears flowing, i can only say, what an awesome mommy aiden has! I hope he has a great kindergarten experience!
ReplyDeleteI can't help but smile myself when I look upon his beautiful beaming face.
ReplyDeleteHe is so handsome and you are a beautiful mom! Some families are blessed to have someone so special...and help others learn how everyone offers something valuable to the world. God made each of us unique. I'm the mom of a beautiful girl who has a form of dwarfism...and 2 other beautiful girls as well. We learn each day what is important...and that what is on the inside is what is important. Thanks for sharing your journey...and for encouraging others! You are special! Angela
ReplyDeleteyou are such an insightful person. you are lucky to have each other.
ReplyDeletelove this
ReplyDelete