Advocating and a Buddy

This summer David and I have gotten a little more of a glimpse into our daughter's delays.

Though we do not know if they are permanent, we do know that as she is getting older we are going to have to make some adjustments.

When she was younger and in groups, the teachers keep an pretty good eye on every one, make sure they are involved and stay with the group.

As they get older I think that is just expected.

We experienced our first real scare with Hannah this summer at a camp while I was in Texas.

Though we tried to let them know she would need a little help, it either fell on deaf ears or they figured she looked 'typical' and forgot.

When David showed up early to pick her and Caleb up. She was wondering around a large baseball complex of fields, completely alone.

She did not know where her group was or what she was supposed to be doing.

At some point she was also in the wrong bathroom and the boys just laughed and teased--enough that the whole story got back to Caleb in another group.

She was frightened.

You see, Hannah is the height of an 11 year old, in an 8 year old body, with a 6 year old mind.

She misses social cues, she has trouble with oral directions and communication, she does not let you know if she does not understand, she just tries to go with the flow.

Tries to keep up.

Our treasure.

So knowing how things are changing as she gets older, I decided to try to get even more proactive with her next foray into camp.

Both kids attended VBS last week at some friend's church.

I am familiar with many people there and some of the staff, because our adoption group meets there and I teach a class for homeschoolers there.

So I mentioned what our issues were and with no hesitation they offered Hannah a 'buddy'.

At first I was hesitant, not thinking she needed that much help.

But that still small voice told me to do it.

Our Hannah had an amazing time at VBS.

My friend, Heather's, amazing daughter, Carmen, spent the mornings with Hannah.

Hannah loved VBS this year.

As you can tell from the pictures.

She could tell me what the stories were about.

She did all her crafts.

She was excited to go.

She participated in the games and had fun.

Might not sound like much to some, but to Hannah this was big.

Hannah did not come home with a bunch of new friends, like Caleb did.

She is not ready for too close of peer relationships yet.

But having Carmen made her feel comfortable and confident, and let her enjoy herself.

That is a big step for all of us.

Now David and I know that advocating a little more is a good idea.

We are not worried about what it looks like, because hidden disabilities are just that--hidden.

And that advocating more will actually help her integrate better in the long run.

And a heart felt thanks to all those churches, groups and individuals who work to help kids with differences have a good time.

You are appreciated!!!