Our school girl

Callie started kindergarten at the beginning of August. It was a very exciting, stressful and emotional transition. It was hard to leave Child Enrichment at First United Methodist Church. And it was especially difficult to leave Ms. Emily, who’s been with Callie, essentially one-on-one, for the past three years.

We always knew Callie was safe and happy with Ms. Emily around. We could never thank her enough for all the love and protection she gave Callie.

Callie at the fair

Callie enjoys a magic show as her kindergarten class visited the Dixie Classic Fair in Winston-Salem earlier this month.

Everyone who knows Callie was apprehensive about her going to kindergarten. It’s not easy for people to reconcile that a child who has normal cognition and an outgoing personality can be so medically fragile. We had to work for several months to get Callie a one-on-one nurse at school. Callie requires frequent vital sign checks and constant attention to her fatigue and respiratory status, as she can decompensate quickly.

Callie doesn’t trust people easily, so it was a relief when we realized that Callie’s kindergarten teacher, Ms. Madison, and her nurse, Ms. Tee, were going to work out wonderfully. The administration and staff at Callie’s new school have also worked hard to help make her transition to kindergarten a success. Callie instantly made friends in her class and by the third week of school, she could attend the entire day without Nathan or me there.

Earlier this month Callie’s class had its first field trip, and Callie was very excited to ride the school bus for the first time as her class traveled to the fair. It’s great to see Callie fully participate in activities with her classmates.

Callie has a full life, and kindergarten is a big part of it. Making that possible requires the time and expertise of a variety of people: teachers, therapists, nurses, custodians, friends, administrators, lunchroom staff. There are people we have never met who take care of details that make school possible for Callie. We are grateful for everyone.

 

8 thoughts on “Our school girl

  1. Katherine Kesslick

    I think it is great that Callie is doing well in kindergarten! It is a big step for everyone, but sounds like she is in good hands.

  2. Pat Binns

    Christy, I have been following Callie for several months now. She is truly amazing and so beautiful. God has placed an absolute Angel in your family. I Am so glad to hear that she is adjusting so well to Kindergarten. Hers is an inspirational story and you, Nathan and the boys are awesome. Much love to you all.

  3. Sibyl McGarity

    I loved seeing Callie’s smile. Rest assured that God is walking with Callie and her family every day. He allows his precious child to be his instrument of influence for other people’s lives. Go Callie!!!!!!!!!

  4. Angela Guy

    So happy to hear that Callie has made the transition to kindergarten, and is loving it! But where did the time go? I can hardly believe it’s possible for my sweet girl to be off in big school already! :-). Love to you all!

  5. Kristy Bateson

    Words can’t express how proud of Callie I am!! She has made such a wonderful transition to Kindergarten and is thriving. I miss seeing her so much every week, but also know that she is in good hands. I am often checking up on my girl and even saw some picture of her today that Ms. Natalie had of her. Along with Callie, your entire family has made a great transition. This was a huge change for you all and you have handled it beautifully. So so proud to be part of your lives!
    Kristy

  6. Anne

    All wonderful news. Thank you for the inspiring and encouraging update. What fun to get to ride the bus and go to the fair!

  7. Anne

    All wonderful news. Thank you for the inspiring and encouraging update. What fun to get to ride the bus and go to the fair!

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