Coco had a language arts assignment tonight to describe a challenge she has had in her life and what she might have learned from it or how it changed her. The directions are to write non-stop for ten minutes. We went a little over ten minutes here, but I felt she wanted to complete her thought. This is not a new subject for her to write about, but every time she describes her experience I am reminded of what it must feel like to walk in her shoes every day and I am also reminded of her resilience and (mostly) positive attitude.
MY CHALLENGES IN LIFE ARE RATHER OBVIOUS. TELLING MY STORY WOULD TAKE WAY MORE THAN TEN MINUTES. MY BRAIN IS FULLY INTACT. I CANNOT CONTROL MY MUSCLES. DOUBTING ME IS A COMMON RESPONSE AT SCHOOL. I CAN TELL PEOPLE DONT BELIEVE I HAVE THE BRAIN OF A THIRTEEN YEAR OLD BASED ON THE DUMB TASKS I AM ASKED TO DO ALL DAY. HERE IS WHERE I AM TRAPPED. EVEN THOUGH THE TASKS ARE DUMB I DONT ALWAYS TOUCH THE RIGHT ANSWER. I CANNOT COMMUNICATE MY ABILITIES BECAUSE I DONT HAVE A PERSON WHO KNOWS HOW TO HELP ME ON MY BOARD. THIS IS EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING BUT I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM IT. FIRST IS PATIENCE. DOING SPECIAL ED WORK MAKES ME APPRECIATE MY RPM LESSONS SO MUCH. I HAVE LEARNED TO APPRECIATE MY SISTER WHO HAS NEVER LET ME ONE DAY EVER BE ALONE IN THE CAFETERIA. I HAVE LEARNED THE VALUE OF PRAYER. I PRAY THROUGHOUT THE DAY WHEN I AM REALLY DOWN. LOVE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE AND SUPPORT ME KEEP ME SANE. ONE MORE THING AND THAT IS THE GIFT OF MY IMAGINATION WHERE I CAN ESCAPE.
rpmwithcoco 
How much more frustration is Coco expected to endure? Is there anyone listening to her plea in this Fairfield School System?? She is so brilliant and is hindered by the tunnel vision of the school system. Coco I cant wait for your first book!
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Unfortunately, money comes first. Perhaps threatening to sue would be the way to get her the services she needs and deserves.
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Coco, I am reading your posts to my son who is learning through RPM. I know he liked hearing what you wrote because he stayed to hear 2 of your posts. You are an inspiration to me as a parent and I’m sure to my son who wants to find his voice as well. Thank you!!
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“THIS IS EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING BUT I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM IT. FIRST IS PATIENCE. DOING SPECIAL ED WORK MAKES ME APPRECIATE MY RPM LESSONS SO MUCH. I HAVE LEARNED TO APPRECIATE MY SISTER WHO HAS NEVER LET ME ONE DAY EVER BE ALONE IN THE CAFETERIA. I HAVE LEARNED THE VALUE OF PRAYER. I PRAY THROUGHOUT THE DAY WHEN I AM REALLY DOWN. LOVE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE AND SUPPORT ME KEEP ME SANE. ONE MORE THING AND THAT IS THE GIFT OF MY IMAGINATION WHERE I CAN ESCAPE.”
Prayer; support; imagination and escape do help through challenges. As well as being with your sister and friends in the cafeteria. And of course appreciating your RPM lessons.
And thirteen-year-old brains are asked to do so many dumb and silly things!
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