Spoken Silence

What is Spoken Silence?

You want to say so much but you know your thoughts can't possibly be uttered into words.

 

What is Spoken Silence?

The aggressive grasp of my hand to direct me to your wants.

What is Spoken Silence?

The expressive excitement you show with your movements; followed by guilty giggles.

What is Spoken Silence?

The sudden smacks, kisses, and gentle touches telling me your sorry.

What is Spoken Silence?

The different sounds of your cry that tell me when your hungry,
sleepy or the long winded whines that tell me somethings possibly wrong.

 

What is Spoken Silence?

My toddler who secretly tells me he knows he can't speak.
 

What is Spoken Silence?

Your mommy who naturally becomes frustrated at times, while I hide the unexpected tears that form to fall. Knowing my comfort is all I can offer because I don't know;

BUT my one wish is to give you my voice.
 

Spoken Silence says so much, just by saying nothing at all.

Written: 5/21/14

"The most important thing in communication is
hearing what isn't said".

-Peter Drucker

 

 

 

Mother's Day Wishes

I dedicate this post to my fellow Special Needs Mommas.

As we embraced on this special day known as "Mothers Day"-- a much needed day to rejoice in yourself, a day of joy and celebration, a wishful day of relaxation; which is often bittersweet. Being a mom is rewarding, but yet one of the most challenging jobs a woman can have. And a being mother of special needs child throws a woman unexpectedly into a world where no one else quite understands, except another special needs mother. 

As we all deal with different challenges in the aspect of our special needs kid, we must continue to uplift each other with support and guidance, as some of us are still learning, absorbing and accepting the new assignment that has been given. I truly believe a unspoken bond already exists between mothers with kid(s) of special needs, and discovering it gives you a since of inner-peace because you know there is someone who truly understands what your going through. Granted, most of us have more to bear with our special one, but in time the courage, strength and patience you endure makes it easier, gives you balance and you're given that much courage to keep pushing. 

In my experience Blogging has become the single most therapeutic thing for me in my journey as a special needs mom. The way I see it is, we all have to find a way to joggle, a outlet,  time to reflect and also share in the unexpected greatness of this journey.

So today I'm wishing a Happy Mothers Day to all of you Super, Magnificent, Wonderful, and Amazing Special Moms who ROCK. Always believe you're not SPECIAL because you're a mom to a special needs kid, but you're special because God choose you to do a Special Job! 

I hope you all enjoyed in "your" beautiful day.

xoxo,
Lavita {Landon's Super-Special Mommy}

“Children remind us to treasure the smallest of gifts, even in the most difficult times.” 

~ Allen Klein

Happy Teacher Appreciation

I'd like to dedicate this post to all of the Teachers, Therapists, General Staff & Playgroup Staff of Easter Seals and Strong Starts who has been an amazing part of Landon's journey. For all of you contribute weekly to the growth and progression he has made and continue to makes daily.

As a parent one must understand we depend upon these individuals so deeply and we place so much trust onto them for more then 8 hours a day; but sometimes quite naturally we tend to forget that they too have families, kids, personal lives and the day-to-day obstacles or adventures of life.

Landon started at Easter Seals DC in March 2013 and now moving forward to this present time he has made an tremendous improvement with his motor skills and development. I'm so honored that he was able to be placed within a childcare center who specializes in caring for children with special needs and that he can receive all of the services he requires.

From the Directors, teachers, therapists, office & food service staff, just all of them are warm, welcoming, pleasant, polite and they treat Landon and all the other kids with such love and attention.

As we're approaching his 3rd birthday and have begun the pre-transition for him to be transferred to the Early Stages Program under DCPS {District of Columbia School}, I'm hopeful that when he leaves Easter Seals the following school year; since his birthday falls short 3 days of the DCPS age-required cut off date, I will feel the same form of security as I do now where ever he may be placed.

As I say often, "It Takes A Village to Raise A Child" and I'm grateful that Landon's educational foundation began with Easter Seals.



"I/We thank all of you for your Patience, Love & Support". Happy Teacher Appreciation!!

 

"One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.”

 - Carl Jung

Read All About Landon's Day--March of Dimes

Check out Landon's Day-March of Dimes Walk 2014 (Mommy's View)!

After announcing months in advance via Landon’s Blog that Team LRG would be participating in the 2014 DC March of Dimes March for Babies walk; finally that day had arrived. The walk was held this past Saturday, May 3rd at Nationals Park. I had begun to feel every form of excitement a mother could possibly explain the closer we got to the day, upon receiving each new registration and donation. I had been promoting and advertising our team nearly every day up until the day of; I made regular posts via social media, Dad had flyers posted at work and even Landon’s school pitched in and helped with posting flyers there as well. Since we had such a nice turn out with our first Autism walk, I figured this time would be doubled, so I took the liberty of having an image created for the teams supportive gear needs.

Saturday morning begin a little rocky, as we were running behind schedule to meet our team as we planned. My phone had been ringing since 5’am that morning, on top of me being extremely tired from the week. However, the weather was absolutely gorgeous not to mention perfect for morning walking. Immediately upon arriving and seeing everyone that welcomed us as we walked into the park I was instantly boosted with joy and burst of energy seeing all of the amazing people that came to support in our day.

The walk started inside National Park grounds and toured outside, around and behind the SW corridor of the neighborhood. From the beautiful sites during the walk to seeing other family teams and company teams suited in their team gear and people walking with friends – it was great feeling knowing all of the families we’re being helped or supported, including mines.

I believe Team LRG ended with at least 50+ walkers including kids. We were also blessed with achieving our fundraising goal that I had set at $500, with receiving a little over $900 in donations.

I remember my daughter asking me recently would I be so involved with awareness if Landon was a normal-healthy toddler. I knew I had to give her an honest answer; “I said, NO. I’m sure I would only if it were someone close to us such as a family or dear friend”. I will admit, this experience has slowly given me more compassion to people for different reasons. Not that I didn’t have it before-but it has opened my mind in another perspective to understand you never know someone’s story.

I think besides feeling so blessed with all the love from our family and friends, the best part of the walk, was seeing the ambition & motivation Landon showed by walking hand-in-hand himself with different people standing to the right and left of him.

In all, our walk with March of Dimes was sensational and Team LRG has simply been BLESSED with the Best Group of Supporters!!

We’re hopeful to have the same support with our 2nd Year walk for Autism, coming up in October.

This post was also shared on FRESHdailyinc.

http://freshdailyinc.net/2014/05/06/landons-day-march-of-dimes-walk/

Every Picture Tells A Story

I thought I would share these pictures and video clips, as I refer to as "lost files". 

Often you don't realize how a picture can tell a story of its own. It shows sign of growth, change, time, the past and possibly the future. What I love the most is that each individual photo/video shows some form of progression My Boy has made and still is making. These pictures are speak value of what will be.

Each picture / video is listed by date of occurrence.

This picture shows a connection of Sister/Brother Love. See how Landon is sitting comfortably in the middle
of both Anesia & Damari. They both have themselves connected to him, as they show protection.
I call this "My Sister's Keeper", because through him they are forever connected!
Taken: 1/5/14

In this picture, Landon is feeding himself with a spoon, from a suction bowl placed on this tray.
He is eating corn and applesauce.
I call this picture "Don't Look at ME"!
Taken: 2/7/14

This was a morning at playgroup (Kennedy Institute). Landon is known to start out clinging to me, as if he never been before.
We stared the morning inside, which I was able to put him down and he found comfort. We later headed outside to the playground where I put him in the swing, he always seem to like the swing.
I call this "FREE"!
Taken: 3/22/14

Anesia took this picture. See Landon is drinking from his cup, reaching for stuff on the counters, and
peeping at the microwave, which he does often. Not sure if its the light or noise that he's attracted too.
I call this "Kitchen Confessions"!
Taken: 3/28/14

This picture was taken by Ms. Imani, Landon's teacher. She sent a video, which I cant seem to save from google (uhhh).
In the video, she instructs Landon to finish his milk and then place his cup on the table--
amazingly he followed his instructions.
I tell them all the time, if I could only get him to do this at home.
I call this "Lessons of Instruction"!
Taken: 4/17/14

So I finally brought Landon his very first wrestling man. I figured it was time since he always takes Isaiah's men
and holds them for dear life. I only started out with one...he better get another one from Isaiah!!
I call this "Big Boy Play"!
4/20/14

In this picture Landon is drinking Anesia's Gatorade. She was holding the bottle hand over hand with him
at first, until he gave her the "I got this" whine. She then released the bottle to him and he was in the zone.
I call this "Chug A'Lugg"
Taken: 4/21/14

1 of 2
Another playgroup morning, at Martha's Table. The weather was great so we went outside to the play area.
Immediately once we got outside, I stood Landon up, he directed me to the ride-on, so I put him in.
I call this "My Bugatti" {as Anesia would say}!!
 



2 of 2
The official Bugatti ride out!
Taken 4/26/14

1 of 2
This was taken at Nicole's home, we hosted a Easter Egg Hunt. There was so much land for Landon to
make move as he desired. Ohh but of course, he didn't want NO ONE redirecting him.
Diamond (his God-Sister) tried to turn him around but he didn't want her bothering him.
I call this " Don't Kill My Vibe"!!



2 of 2
This is his "I told you I got this face"
Taken: 4/26/14

Landon's teacher sent me this picture. She said "Landon stood unassisted, we were so excited
and he seemed to be really proud of himself".
I call this "The HULK Stands"!!
Taken: 4/29/14

I hope you enjoyed each picture story!!!!

"Life is like a story. Each day is like a chapter. Each year is like a part. But like every book, each story is different. You cant judge a book by its cover until you know its story". -Unknown