One For Team Caleb

I remember hearing a presentation about the WASL in a PTA meeting a few years ago. I recall the feelings of worry and dread even though it would still be a couple of years before Caleb would have to take the test. It was obvious to me that this assessment would be very challenging for my boy. He has language processing disabilities and struggles with making inferences or drawing conclusions. This is not a standard multiple choice test.

The success of Caleb's education is dependent upon a team of people working together in his behalf. The team consists of Caleb, his classroom teacher, his speech therapist and me. We were blessed last year with an amazing, young teacher who worked beautifully with Caleb and all the other team members. Together, we did all we could to prepare him to be successful on the WASL, which he took last spring.

His scores arrived by mail last Friday. My hands shook and my hearted pounded as I tore into the envelope.

"He passed," I mumbled to myself. "He passed," I said a little louder. "Jon, he passed!" I couldn't stop the tears. "He passed. He passed!"

Here's the proof. He had to take the reading and math in third grade. He'll have to add the writing section this year.

I needed a celebration and I needed to celebrate with the only person who truly understood the magnitude of the victory, one who could fully understand my joy and relief. So, I put together a little "Tickled Pink" treat and Caleb and I went in this morning to pay a visit to his one-of-a-kind third grade teacher.

Mrs. Knapp already knew that Caleb had passed and expressed to me that she had been dying to call me, had begged for permission, but was told she had to wait until October 1st. She told me that if I had not come in this morning, she would've called. We shared our mutual feelings of accomplishment and pride and again my eyes were teary. We presented her with her well-deserved, though inadequate, token of gratitude and that small moment of celebration made my day.

This is Caleb holding his congratulatory letter from the governor.

I'm so proud of Caleb. He worked hard and though we have to face this beast again this year and many more years to come, he has one win under his belt. I feel that his success is an answer to our endless prayers. We are so grateful for the outstanding professionals who have assisted us in our journey.

Thank you, to any of you who have offered prayers for our dear son, you're part of our team, too. And it just feels so good when your team wins!