Dear Jimmy, Look How Far You’ve Come
A Grade One Reflection
There’s something about the last day of school that makes you pause — like standing still in the middle of a storm that’s finally passing.
Grade one is over. And Jimmy? You made it.
You made it through early mornings and long days. Through changes and challenges. Through routines that worked and ones that didn’t. You grew in ways that no progress report could ever capture.
So I’m writing this down today — not just to celebrate how far you’ve come, but to remind myself, a year from now, to look back and really see it all. The big wins, the tiny miracles, and the hard-fought truths we’ve learned along the way.
🚌 The Trials and Triumphs
This year, we tried a safety harness for the bus. It didn’t work. It wasn’t the right fit — for your body, your needs, or your dignity. That experience — as frustrating and disheartening as it was — lit the fire that pushed us to fight for what you actually needed: a proper adaptable stroller.
It wasn’t easy. It took longer than it should have. But we kept going. And you got it. Because your comfort and safety are not negotiable.
You learned to write your name — not every day, not on demand, but when you choose to. And somehow, that makes it even more magical.
You discovered that Play-Doh isn’t the enemy. That finger paint won’t destroy you. And that sometimes, if the environment feels just right, you can lean into sensory play in ways you never have before.
You made friends. Real ones. Not just kids in the same room, but kids who waited for you, laughed with you, and gave you space to be exactly who you are.
🧠 What We’ve Learned
You’ve taught us something most adults forget: Time is not of the essence — presence is.
Say “McDonald’s” out loud and you’re gone like lightning. But show you it’s time to get dressed? That needs a pause. A few quiet minutes to process. And once you’re ready, you do it. On your own terms. And honestly, we could all learn from that kind of pacing.
We’ve also learned that less verbal communication works best for you — signs, gestures, visuals, facial expressions. You hear more than people think. You understand more than most know. And you respond when people take the time to meet you in your world instead of rushing you into theirs.
You’ve reminded me — daily — that progress isn’t linear. It loops, it backtracks, it surprises. But it happens. And it’s stunning to witness.
💛 This Post is My Bookmark
This post is my way of remembering this moment.
When next year’s chaos rolls in — with new routines, new expectations, and new challenges — I want to come back here. To this space. To this feeling.
Because today, I can say with complete honesty: Look how far he’s come.
Not just in skill or strength — but in confidence. In joy. In connection.
Jimmy, you’ve climbed mountains this year. And I’ve had the privilege of walking beside you the whole way.
🙏 To the Team Behind the Growth
Of course, we didn’t do this alone.
To the incredible teachers and support staff at Peace Bridge Public School who welcomed Jimmy into junior and senior kindergarten with care, flexibility, and open hearts — thank you. Your impact has stayed with us, even now.
To the Niagara Children’s Centre School Authority — your patience, compassion, and willingness to meet Jimmy where he’s at has helped him grow in ways I never imagined possible.
To the physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists at Niagara Children’s Centre who supported Jimmy before he ever stepped foot in a classroom — your early work made a lasting difference. You helped lay the foundation for everything that came after.
To every bus driver, every EA, every therapist, teacher, case worker, and cheerleader who believed in Jimmy — even on the hard days — thank you. This journey is only possible because of the people walking it with us.
☀️ What Comes Next
This summer will be a different kind of learning.
There will be sand between our toes and sunscreen in our hair. There will be routines that get broken and rebuilt, meltdowns and moments of magic. And we’ll take it all, day by day — just like always.
And if I start to lose sight of just how far we’ve come?
I’ll come back here. I’ll read this again. And I’ll remember.
