Background - this is in regard to oldest dd 11, who didn't talk until she was 3 and 1/2. In public schools, no one really cared but one speech therapist (not kidding). We realized it wasn't working and I looked for a private school. No one, and I mean no one supported me while doing this. I did it any way (dh said whatever you think will work).

She's been there 3 years. She was extremely shy and stayed in the shadows. Very small private school (16 kids at my last count) but she can work at her own past, fast, slow and in between. She has 6 subjects, English, Social Studies, Science, Bible, Math and Spelling plus gym, art, music and chapel.

That's the short version...

Yesterday, I went to pick them up (dd age 8 goes there also) and dd 11 comes out and said Sister T will bring her home they are working on English. I said ok, because my driveway is uphill and a sheet of ice

At 4:10 she finally comes home with a huge smile on her face. She comes in the house and hands me her second quarter honor roll paper. With a big smile, she said "I was the only one that is on the high honor roll (Honor roll not only consists on grades, but on behavior, manners, how hard a student works, how many demerits/detention, etc).

Rachel is not a girl that has ever boasted or gloated on herself, she is the opposite. Because of her language delayment her self-esteem is lower than normal. I always promised Rachel that as long as she did her best I will always be proud of her. Not easy at times, she is quite a different learner and this was an extreme process that her and I had to get through together.

However, this year we have seen a turn around for Rachel. She teases people (she only ever felt comfortable teasing me) and she is constantly smiling. She enjoys going to school and I can see she is in a much happier place "mentally" that she has not been in, ever.


With this "new" confidence you would never believe she had a speech/language delayment.

I know I'm going on, but she is just at a happy place and so am I

By Sue3 on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 09:35 am:

Great News ! I bet you are so happy for DD and Proud !

By Momoffour on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 09:37 am:

Tell her congratulations that is something to be very proud of. I am so happy for her

By Texannie on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 09:59 am:

Congrats to you both!

By Insaneusmcwife on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 10:03 am:

Thats great news Marg, I am so happy for your and your dd.

By Mommyathome on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 10:43 am:

That is so great Marg! It always pays to go with your mommy instincts. I'm glad she is in a school she likes and is doing well.

By Tunnia on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 01:01 pm:

That's wonderful!

By Bea on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 01:44 pm:

Marg, I'm sending her a card. It will be from my Create a card program. I promise no viruses. I think she'll enjoy it.

By Bea on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 01:48 pm:

Would you email her name to me? historicharrishouse@earthlink.net

By Trisa on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 02:49 pm:

Well that is great news.
You both have a reason to be proud!!!

By Marg on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 02:57 pm:

I should tell everyone, dd -age 8 also got on the honor roll, just not the high honor roll.

Thank you for all your posts, I didn't want to sound like I was boasting, Rachel has just been through so much and has come so far.

By Melanie on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 03:01 pm:

Please, boast away!!! She deserves it!!!! Great job, Rachel!!!!!

And congrats to your other dd as well!! That is a wonderful accomplishment!!

By Gammiejoan on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 06:00 pm:

Congratulations to Rachel! You have every right to be proud, Marg.