Nine years ago a doctor told us "God did not deal you a good hand."
I'll never forget that day or that phrase that stung bad.
Nine years ago that same doctor as well as many others said words like "mental delay and mental retardation."
Words that were hard but words that we were ready to deal with day by day.
And day by day we realized that those words were not true.
With each passing year Katie thrived in school.
Learning came natural.
Then..
Last Summer at Spina Bifida Conference I sat in a huge room where the speaker spoke about watching out for ...
third grade.
Third Grade seemed to be when the struggle really started.
multiplication, division, cursive, etc. mixed with hydrocephalus (water on the brain) can be really hard.
My stomach was in knots.
I went into the new school year ready to tackle the third grade with whatever extra help we needed.
Last week I opened a letter addressed to "The Parents of Katie Hull."
I opened the letter...
and cried (what's new, right).
and cried some more.
Katie has been recommended to test for the Gate (Gifted and Talented Education) program. A program "designed to meet the needs of high ability and intellectually gifted students."
All i could think about was "Watch out for third grade."
She still will have to test for it, but regardless of the outcome, just being recommended is huge in our eyes.
This is also just another one of those things to add to the letter I plan on sending to that above mentioned doctor.
11 comments:
I am gonna cry if I read this one more time (as I've read it several already!) I am just in awe, soooo so happy for your sweet wonderful Katie who is doing so much to inspire and redefine what it means to have SB. She is my hope. I remember being there with you this summer and your eyes widening at the words of the speaker. And here you are now with what - the OPPOSITE of what he said?! I know we all have our worries, and there are ups and downs and strengths and struggles with all our kids. But every amazing, odds-defying (word? no? oh well) accomplishment is so precious. What a blessing she is. My heart is just full for you. So, so full. <3 Love to you all!!
please do send that letter. How awful to say that to any mom who has such struggles ahead without terrible words like those!
This is seriously the best post I've read in like forever. I'm sharing it on my wall....cause it's so seriously awesome. I cried again....you and your family are so dear to us and I feel so privileged to rejoice with you!
Boo-yah! :)Go Katie! Go Katie! GO!!!
Love, love, love this! You guys are awesome parents. Katie you are amazing.
Good job Katie. I don't think you need to "watch out" for any grade with this smart girl! I really hope you send that doctor a letter!
This is just another example of how important it is to step out in faith and trust in the Lord, even when the odds don't seem to be in our favor. We don't know what the future brings, but this is an example of how we need to march to the drummer within us and not back down just because "experts" say things may block our progress.
I am so grateful for Katie and for the lessons I am learning from her.
P.S. To the doctor who said that "God did not deal you a good hand," and to the other doctor who said Katie would never walk, and to those genetic doctors who said you may want to terminate the pregnancy....DON'T SAY THOSE THINGS TO PATIENTS.....THE IMPOSSIBLE OFTEN IS POSSIBLE!!!!
That is AWESOME!!!! :)
I am all teary eyed, thinking of Davy's future possibilities. Thank you for posting this.
Go Katie!! That is so awesome. I'm so proud of her.
How in the world did I miss this??? That is SO awesome. You must be SO proud! You continue to inspire us Katie - way to go!!
I was on the blog (searching) today because my boys want to see picture of Katie skiing and playing basketball. They are getting excited for their sister to do sports.
Miss you friend. Hope to see you soon!
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