Tests

There are times in every mothers life, when her children will be tested.
Today is one of those days.
According to the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic School Board, my son who is Deaf does not deserve to have an ASL interpreter.
So, in order to continue with an interpreter at school, they feel an assessment was in order.
My son, who is 5 years old, is having a full day assessment at this moment. I want so bad to be there, to hold his hand, and help him through all of this. I want to be there to protect his rights as a human being.
What is language?? Is it being able to use your voice? Is it using your hands, or is it your whole body communicating at once?
My son uses proficient SIGN language to communicate on a daily basis. Unless of course you can't sign back to him. Then he uses every single inch of his tiny body to tell you what he wants.
I am hoping today the assessor will see this wonderful gift that my child possesses. He can communicate with Deaf people or hearing people alike, regardless if you know ASL. What more can a mother ask for?
I never knew that a child had to qualify to learn their native language in school, or to have someone there to interpret it for them. Not until we were told otherwise.
What a terrible imposition for my son.
I pray that he passes this test with flying colors...but then again, if the assessor knows their job, there is no reason why he shouldn't.
Every child should be given an opportunity to have a voice without a test to prove they deserve it.

The connections

It always amazes me, how much my children are connected. Though they have 2 very different personalities, they are always connected in some way.
The youngest always tries to make it seem that he is the boss, and that it is his way or the highway.
The eldest always complies, and just goes with the flow of energy.
But somehow, through all of this, they are connected.
They play together in a way that I've never seen two siblings do before.
I've watched from the doorway, as the youngest allows the eldest to be the boss.
Watched as the eldest took control, and used his time in power to share with his brother.
Watched as they connected on a higher level than I could ever expect.
With my eldest being Deaf, the youngest has learned the language of SIGN, before he learned the English language. He learned to communicate with his brother, and to interpret for his brother.
This connection warms my heart. No matter what is happening, my youngest takes the time to interpret, talk, and work at learning the language of his brother.
The eldest has so much respect for his young brother, the pride in his eyes as he watches his brother sign to him, is evident. What more could a mother ask for?
I know that no matter what happens in life, they will always share a special connection. Unseen by many, as they share secretly, play nicely in cognito, and love deeper than two siblings ever have.
This connection is one that will last through the tests of time. It gives a mother a deep sense of security.
What more can I ask for?

Welcome to my World

I am a mom.
You must have gathered that by the name of this blog site.
If not, now you know.
I have 2 beautiful boys.
I know every mom thinks they have beautiful children, but I know I really do.
When strangers used to walk up to the stroller, they would stare for a moment, and then gasp--OH MY, HE IS BEAUTIFUL, so of course, I now know I don't just imagine their beauty, the world sees it.
Now enough about how gorgeous they are, who they are is important too.
My eldest is 5, and has so much personality. He is thirsting for knowledge, a sponge once given a drink from it, and then retains it like a PMSing teen. He is quiet, and reserved, but oh so sweet. He still likes to cuddle, and loves to read.
My youngest is 3. He is bossy, a pretender, and always on the go. Never cuddles, and loves to make up stories about everything he sees. He is loud, and the world is his to explore.
These are my kids, this is my life.
I wouldn't trade a minute of it.
Did I mention that my eldest hears with his eyes, and speaks with his hands??
Or that my youngest can only sing the first 5 letters of the ABC's before finishing it with row row row your boat??
They are my world, the sun and moon of my days, and of course, the reason for being.
We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.