We received our first rejection letter from Canine Companions for Independence out of Delaware, Ohio. I was devastated. Claudia was amazing.. she said that we'll see what they say in Georgia (Canine Assistants), and we will.
Last night we were talking together while I was helping her get ready for bed. She loves to dream about what she is going to be when she grows up. Maybe a doctor, a lawyer or a firefighter, she's not quite sure. I was mentioning to her that perhaps she would be a good psychologist because she is so insightful and perceptive. She said that her therapy dog could work well helping people too. Yes, I replied, and that people would be inspired by all of her hard work and perseverance. She wanted to know what inspire meant!
It's you babe! You inspire me every day.
And today was one of those tough days when having a disability just sucks, and I needed inspiration.
We had an average to stinky IEP meeting. Nothing major, just not usually productive or helpful. No one commenting on how wonderful and clever you are.. more of the I can't do that, I'm too busy, we don't have that and that would be too much to ask of the school district.
But the icing on the cake for me was the call that I received an hour later about you being too "sick" to be in school. No fever, no running nose, no bodily fluids, just that "the life is out of your eyes" and that you were not yourself. Apparently you ran into too many chairs in your classroom.
Against my better judgement, I took you home today. Not your choice I know, I heard the cries. I see your frustration, isolation and struggle. I get it.
I know why that dog would be so nice to have by your side. Someone that doesn't pass judgement on you because you use wheels. A dog wouldn't underestimate your abilities or say that you couldn't play. A dog could love you unconditionally and constantly be there for you. Believe me, I get it, I'm on your side. Love you Claudia.
Claudia meeting Emily and her service dog Stryde
(plus the sisters Molly and Eloise)
