i remember the day noah came home from the hospital.
it was 84 long days after he was born.
i remember the doctors saying "it's a wait and see situation."
little hope was offered by the white coats.
he was still on oxygen.
remained on those tubes and tanks for almost six months.
i remember his first steps.
everything about that moment.
six solid steps.
walking toward his momma.
tears. screaming.
overwhelming happy.
he was two and a half years old.
we were to order his walker that week.
i remember hearing words like:
cerebral palsy
apraxia
asthma
delays
severe lung issues
brain cysts
Periventricular Leukomalacia
brain bleeds
they would play over and over.
the white coats always said "he may never..."
and i wanted to stop.... them, time.
do.
not.
tell.
me.
never.
you are not god.
you are not noah.
you do not know us.
noah decides his fate.
we guide him.
help him.
have the deepest faith in him.
it's what we do.
and now
others are saying these words.
"special education."
"special diploma."
"segregated classrooms."
"no budgets for aids."
the gloves are on.
as ready as i ever was.
walking door to door.
petition.
free appropriate public education.
for every child. EVERY child.
i can't do it alone this time.
help.
"you can count on me." she said.
more than a friend.
an angel.
five words evoked overwhelming emotion.
and a smile.
thank you.
if you are in pinellas county, please, please, please sign your name. Change can only come when residents of this county come together and speak with one voice.
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