What an unexpected surprise!

I knew yesterday (Thursday, February 6, 2014) that I wasn't going to send Cole to school today, simply because it was getting bad on the roads in Dallas, TX.  To my chagrin and surprise, I got two text messages and one phone call alerting me at 6 a.m. this morning that his school district had decided to close!  I am very thankful for them canceling school, simply because I didn't want to have to deal with writing an "excused absence" note to the front office about why we weren't at school.  I won't go into details, but we have had a rough year at Cole's school, due to so much change.  You see, change is becoming a "normal" word in our vocabulary this past year because Cole's world (mainly my world too) was turned upside down.  Our beloved principal, Laurie Taylor, left Cole's school.  Laurie was like this super human who has a heart of gold and always put her students and staff's needs above her own.  I knew she would be missed by many, but Laurie's absence really left a void in Cole's life and mine.  There are no words to describe this woman who really should be given a Peace Prize.  Laurie is a class act and Plano, TX, is beyond blessed to have Principal Laurie Taylor.  We wished her well in her pursuit for greener pastures (not so much drama in Plano), but her leaving left a huge hole in my heart and Cole's.  Also, Cole's special education teacher he has had since 2nd grade left for Plano as well.  We didn't know about Allison's leaving until two weeks before school started, so that was quite confusing for Cole.  However, we have seen Allison and she is doing great!  More change was becoming common place at Merriman Park Elementary, Cole's second home and school since first grade, and some change has been good, but unfortunately most of it has not.  

Change is not something that is easy for some who have autism.  I don't have autism and change is hard for me.  However, without change, there is no progress towards improving education and life.  That being said, I don't believe Cole is receiving the stellar education he has in the past, simply because there has been so much change.  The general education teachers for sixth grade are both named Ms. Thompson, which threw Cole for a loop (and me!), the school was completely remodeled, which first resembled a hospital-- Cole's own words, and then we had to deal with a change in administration-- I am not going into detail here, simply because I want Cole to finish sixth grade with a positive experience, but it has not been good, to say the least.  I try to be a good mom, wife, and daughter, but at times, I let my emotions get the best of me.  I am truly blessed to have the support of so many people, who know what we have gone through-- good and the not so good.  Change is good, when we look for the best in change.  All I can say is when Principal Taylor left, the good in this situation is that Cole is excited about going to middle school with his friends next year.  That is the good in this situation!  However, we do have a really good special education teacher.  I have never been disappointed in Cole's special education teachers and aides.  They have all been top notch!  

Alright, so now onto Friday, no school, and trying to explain to Cole why we won't be going to see the Lego movie in 3-D today, because it's icy and snowing outside.  Only in Texas do we have below freezing temperatures one week, then 60 degrees the next day (or week).  Happy Friday and I will write more soon.  It is time to pack for my yearly music teacher convention-- T.M.E.A.  This convention is huge (think 20,000 plus people)!  I look forward to this every year, simply because I get to catch up with my friends, find out the latest in technology to help Cole with his singing career, and keep my all-level music teacher status "highly qualified" in the state of Texas.  The last comment is one that I am very proud of-- I had to go through a battery of tests to receive my all-level certification in music.  More to come, but I must finish for today.  Stay safe and warm and happy February!