First, only Sydney tried to check out the extra credit this week! Bummer that none of you got the extra credit! It is such a great article that I am going to include it in this blog today for an assignment. Now it's required :-)
Second, let's learn more about Maddie,
our Star LINK of the Month! Congratulations Maddie!
I want you to re-watch this video.
If You Only Knew
Submitted by KentPotter on Wed, 01/26/2011 - 20:53
If you only knew how difficult the road was to get here.
If you only knew the many tears that have been shed, the countless hours of therapy, the tests he has undergone, the fear that he has experienced, the ridicule he has endured, the times he has been laughed at, the frustration he has learned to live with.
If you only knew.
If you only knew the hours a mother and a father have spent trying to piece together the past and plan for the future.
If you only knew the amount of money, the friendships that have been lost, and the toll it has taken to get here.
If you only knew the crippling effects of depression that comes from watching your child struggle with the very basic activities of every day life.
If you only knew the cold stares from strangers, the whispers that have been overheard, the isolation that can come from not being able to "fix" the world that seems to never understand your son.
If you only knew the freedom that awaits when you learn to let go, and you open your heart in acceptance of what is.
If you only knew that a family can become stronger, that wounds can heal.
If you only knew the potential for how deep and wide love can truly be.
If you only knew the happiness that can be found if you simply open your eyes to what is around you.
If you only knew my Sam, you would know that anything is possible.
Lastly, Google "East Grand Rapids" and "Autism" all at the same time. You will find an MLive article to read. Post a comment on this blog telling me how you feel about this story. Agh. Personally, I'm teary-eyed just thinking about it! Mr. VanLaan would be rolling his eyes and laughing at me right now.
Have a wonderful weekend, guys! Thanks for another awesome week!
Mrs. VanLaan