United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

After yesterdays events I almost didn't take Michaela to school but she insisted. I had a crying spell while getting her ready and cried all the way home after dropping her off. She has such courage! Anyway she did fine at school today. Regardless of the teachers attitude I know she has friends. She told me on the way home that," Gregory helped me unzip my coat(it was 32 degrees here in Florida this morning,BRRRR) and I gave him a leaf for helping me." She also knew how upset I was and on the playground today she and 2 of her friends "made you some cards". I never appreciated scribble so much in my life, especially the picture of me under the round sun with a big round head, arms out the side of it, legs out the bottom and no body! And Alley wants to come over for a sleep over so you need to meet her Mommy and Daddy.I'll get her phone number and on and on she went! Forgive me but no matter what's thrown at her she goes with it. No wetting today. Pardon my pride but I LOVE MY KID!

You need that great big gift today...

I am so glad that she and you both had a good day.

Kath

What happy news! I am so glad that things went so great today. Michaela sure sounds like such a bright and sweet little girl who has lots of friends. How thoughtful of her and her friends to make you cards. Are the cards going on the frig??:) Thanks for telling us about how things went today. I've been thinking about all of you. Christy

Hi - I understand your frustration - and I am so glad your daughter had a great day! As for the school system, I have found that you really need to educate them. Our daughter is in her last week with the 24/7 in the dynamic brace for the caps and pronator tendon transfer and she is in 1st grade. She goes to a magnet public school and we had a meeting three weeks before we went to TCH to set up her needs. She has a school aid 5 days a week from 10-2 that is there to assist her. She loves having her because she is there is she needs the help or if she wants to try herself. At lunch time she sits at a different table so she won't get hi or hit anyone with her brace and invites friends to sit with her. At recess time she either goes out with them and plays or in the 1st weeks went to the nurses office and brought games and a friend to be with her. I think the most important thing is making the school aware that she won't break and she can lead a pretty normal life in the 8 weeks she is in the splint. Caroline was labels a 504 which enables her to have a school aide (just like kids who break their legs or arms and need assistance). I also think it depends on the school and faculty - in NY we are very lucky at our school the Principal is very involved and when Caroline had her mod quad 2 yrs ago she was also in Pre K. Her classmates have been wonderful and it is days like today that your daughter had that they really remember and treasure. Just adding my thoughts. Good luck to you all.
Kathy Reilly

Hope you save those cards! What a little girl you have! I'm sure you are SO proud of her!! Sounds like she was a great support to you - funny how they turn things around on us

-francine