For some of us, it's springtime, thoughts of schools out for summer, and planning time for summer vacations.  Others of us may have those thoughts after the ARD and IEP is official.  We have only been through the ARD process once when Jackson was first diagnosed.  We knew nothing.  I don't really know that we will know much more this go around, but I am doing my best to prepare.  I have attended many workshops, absorbed the lingo, and have read a book or two or three or seven.  I am having Jackson's team complete assessments and am meeting with friends who are intimate with the process.  I am doing what I can to prepare.  We don't have a date set yet for the ARD and I don't have a clue where Jackson will be next year.  I talk daily with Jackson about being a big kid and what it will be like going to kindergarten.  He doesn't seem anxious about my conversations so maybe some of it is sinking in.  This doesn't speak to my anxiety level.  The special ed higher ups in my school district have said the transition is harder on the parents than the kids.  The final verdict is still out, but for now I know this is true.

Jackson fits in where he is.  He has friends that like him and teachers that adore him.  I hate to see him leave an environment that he thrives in.  At times, he thinks about his friends and talks about them when they are not present.  When he saw them this weekend, he hugged them and gave them high fives.  He stayed with one buddy on the go-carts, on the golf course, and while playing the indoor games.  One more time, he has a friend. 

Tonight he reminded me about them.