Friday, January 15, 2010

Bye Bye Gavin!

Gavin and I took a big step yesterday! I did something that I said that I could never do! Gavin did something that took a lot of a bravery for a 3 year old! What we both did yesterday may not seem like a big deal for most people, but it was HUGE to Gavin and I.

Yesterday, I had to say goodbye to Gavin, while standing there waving and hoping and praying that he would be well cared for, safe and happy. I have only put Gavin in a vehicle with someone else a couple of handfuls during his entire life. The other times I knew the person well(my husband and mother-in-law) or I had no choice but to let him go because he had to be flown in a helicopter to a hospital far away. So, to me, yesterday's event was a big deal!

So, have you guessed what Gavin's big adventure was???

Cathy you guessed right! Gavin took a school bus to school yesterday! And, guess what?! He and I actually survived!

I swore that I could never let Gavin take the bus to school, because I felt that he was too young, for one thing, and also I was afraid because he can't talk and tell me what happens to him when he is away from me. It took a lot of bravery on both of our parts, but WE DID IT! And, I only lost a few tears and Gavin seemed to LOVE it!

Here is a note that I taped to his shirt, for his teacher to read when he got to school:



She did call me to let me know that he got there safely and to let me know that the driver and bus aide said that he did really well on the bus. The bus company even called me about 10 minutes after he was picked up to make sure that the pick up went well, so I'm very impressed by the bus company and by his teacher! I am confident that Gavin is in terrific hands even when he's not with me!

Here he is waiting for the bus to arrive at our house:




Here is his bus arriving:



Here is Gavin getting onto the wheelchair lift and being lifted onto the bus:




And, here is Gavin on the bus (even smiling!) and leaving for school:




It was difficult watching the bus pull away, but I knew that ultimately Gavin is in God's Hands, so I knew that he would be safe!

I didn't even follow the bus to school, which I did consider doing! :)

My Mom offered to go to lunch with me and to walk around the mall so that I could keep my mind off from it for the first day. This was very helpful, but seeing Gavin's smiles and excitement as he got onto the bus is what really kept me comforted! He is such a big boy! I guess he's a lot like his brothers. They have always been quite independent and didn't really care if they were with me all the time, plus they all enjoy adventure, so I guess Gavin is no different!

Here is the bus arriving back home:



Yay Gavin's Home Again!!! All the brothers were home from school to watch him get off the bus too!

And, finally, here is the note that his teacher sent in reply to Gavin's note to her:



So Cute!

So, that was our big day and Gavin's adventure! I really hope that Gavin continues to enjoy it! And, now maybe I can start getting more things done around here with 4 hours to myself! This actually makes me sad, but I'm sure that I will get used to it.


"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34

17 comments:

Stephanie said...

Oh my goodness! I am soooo proud of BOTH of you! Love Gavin's chair! Christopher's is a nightmare to try to get anywhere or do anything with. It's like a semi-truck. LOL! Way to go - enjoy your "me" time. :)

Hugs!
Steph and Christopher

Annie said...

Congratulations! A huge milestone for both Gavin and Mom! I hope you're able to enjoy that time that you have for yourself now.

Anxious AF said...

Well, the picture of the back of the bus brought tears to my eyes. Thinking of you while you get used to this. If you can do it, I can do it, I hope!

Alicia said...

Hooray for a brave Mama and a brave Gavin! Way to go, that IS a huge step!

I love the pictures you took to chronicle the entire day, so precious!

Have a wonderful weekend, friend!

ANewKindOfPerfect said...

Dude, what a big kid you are!! And mom, way to go. That is a huge step. I am glad he did so good. :)

Cammie Heflin said...

What a big happy boy!

Hope said...

Oh my gosh, WTG Gavin and Mama!! What a great adventure he had! Love the pics, he looks so happy!

Becky said...

WOW! That'a big step in life. I bet he loved it though. Fun pictures. :)

Cathy said...

Yea for Big Boy Gavin! The reason I was able to guess it was because I have just recently had those same feelings and thoughts. He looked so happy and I am proud of you mommy, but understand totally it is sooooooooo hard.
Your hometown looks beautiful all covered in snow! I love seeing the bus coming down the road and know big brothers were there waiting.

Heather said...

I too am so,so proud of you both!!Really amazing and really proud!He looks so cute and so big and so ready ... this is just the beginning and we cannot wait to see where Gavin goes from here!


*The afo's are actually smo's and we love them.Developed by a dad with a child with Down syndrome ... they are called Sure Steps.

Lacey said...

I'm so proud of you mommy!! There's nothing harder than letting our little ones go, where we don't have constant control of their every move. I'm sure he loved it and it was a new stimulation for him.
And is that a baby carrier cover you have over his legs? That is a great idea!

Elyse said...

What a HUGE step for you both! WTG Gavin for wooing your teachers and being a great student :) Way to go mama for allowing Mr. Gavin to ride the bus :o
~Elyse

Cindy said...

That is a huge step for both of you! I'm so glad it went so well. He sure did look happy- that is a great comfort!

Tamara said...

o.k. I know I am a little late on posing on this, but looking at your photos totally reminds me of my photos! We could sling them up together and they are pretty much the same shots!!!! That is too funny! I know just where your heart was too! I am so proud of you for letting him go! I know its hard, but oh so good for you both... did you find yourself wandering around the house not really knowing what to do? Love ya girl!

Inspired said...

Love it!! So proud of both of you!!

Love,
Julie

Amy said...

Yaaaaay Gavin...and Alicia! :o) I love the little notes; how cute!! So glad it went well so you are more comfortable with this new phase of Gavin's life. Well done to both of you!

Jenkins said...

That is a huge accomplishment for you and HIM!

What a big step!!! He looks like he is ready for it all!

I sobbed and sobbed the day I sent Brayden on the bus and the day after that and the day after that...I did follow it to school.