I know what you're thinking…
At best, you're thinking I'm THAT mom.
Always in your face asking questions – demanding answers…micro-managing your every move…never accepting your word as final…always involving administrators and calling meetings over every little thing.
You're wishing I'd just get the hell outa your way and let you do your job already.
At worst, your thinking I'm a threat…to you personally, to your job, to your integrity and lastly, to the other student's rights.
Every question I bring up is in direct opposition to how it's 'always been done before' and therefore controversial. I'm always getting involved and mucking up the works…you're fully aware of what happened last year…and get the sense that every time I'm unhappy or express concern, you're head is on the chopping block.
I offer no apologies for seeming overbearing or over-involved.
This is my job.
I would like to ask that you try to think of this situation from my perspective. Try to put aside your fears, for they are unfounded and set aside your defenses, for they are unnecessary.
I would ask that you try to think of this as if our roles were reversed. What if this were YOUR son? Would you do everything that I do? Irregardless of the friends you lose and the enemies you gain?
Think of it like this. Your son needs something. I don't mean like a pair of shoes for basketball, I mean needs something in order to ever have a chance at being happy and successful in life. And he needs this every single day. No breaks, no vacations. EVERY SINGLE DAY without respite.
A day without, is a day he can never, ever get back.
Now, you have a pretty good idea as to what he needs, but how to provide it is the tricky part. You know it takes highly trained, caring professionals working tirelessly every day in order for your son to have even a slim chance at making it.
Would you do what I do? Would you question and challenge and 'pester' the teachers and therapists charged with this task? Would you lay awake at night wondering if you're doing enough and will it ever make a difference?
Would you?
If you can just try and see my perspective, see my little boy through my eyes for just one moment…you could experience the fierce love and need for protection that courses through me at every second.
You could also feel the deep sense of loss, frustration, rage, and at times, desperation.
I've been asked many times by many people…how I do it.
How do I keep going…keep fighting…keep trying?
My response is simple. How could I not?
So I ask you….How can you not?
So, as you sit facing me across that table and I'm asking endless questions – trying to re-invent the wheel to allow my son some measure of success, please try to keep this in mind…remember where my drive comes from…it's not an attempt to win a power struggle or spite…it's fierce love, devotion and, at times sheer desperation and panic for my son to succeed.
If you can't lay aside your prejudices and irritation and help me help my boy – I have no use for you and would ask that you take yourself off my team.
Harsh? Possibly. But I'm not in this to make friends. I'm in this for my boy. You've known him for 6 to 8 weeks. I've loved him more than myself for 6 & 1/2 years.
I make a point of listening to what you have to say and try to give your suggestions and ideas consideration due your profession while keeping other student's rights and interests in mind.
Please do me the courtesy of returning the favor.
And remember, I'm not out to get you…no matter what my reputation is. I'm here to try and make sure my son gets the best possible in a school that is only legally required to provide what's appropriate
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