BACK TO SCHOOL!

The atmosphere, that is Kourtney up there!

Yesterday was one of those days I wanted to run through the streets screaming  really loud, and proclaim, "Its not fair; why is it my kid that has to suffer!!!" It started yesterday at the PNE.

It was the last day of the fair, we knew it would be busy so we got there early. Traffic was light, we found a parking spot close - we knew it was too perfect. For the last 5 years we have gone we have gotten an exit pass so we didn't have to bring the wheelchair through the lines and attempt to bring Kourtney and the wheelchair through the turnstiles. Over the years we have never been questioned and it has been easily attained. However, this year proved to be different. We were told that we were unable to have a exit pass because Kourtney was not mentally disabled and she could be reasoned with. They told us that one of us could wait in line and Kourtney could wait at the exit- that would be quite the family bonding experience, where we leave our disabled daughter at the the exit alone while one of us stood in the lineup. We spoke with every manager we could find, and even thanked them for not seeing what every person seems to see - Kourtney is disabled.

Kourtney's favourite ride....Pirate Ship

We came across some well meaning ride workers who went to their manager about getting us an exit pass,  meanwhile I took a walk and found somebody being interviewed by a local TV news team.  I questioned the "public relations person" about who the lady was - she was a big wig for the PNE. I shared my plight with her, she made a phone call and BAM! we got our exit pass.  After an hour and half of negotiating, making phone calls, and even seeking out the news. I got the golden ticket waving it like a flag in front of the people who told us no. Have I mentioned, I don't take no for answer???  My sweet Kourtney went riding to her little hearts' content, oh I mean until she felt nauseous.

Today as every other child in BC was going back to school (except the home schooled ones), Kourtney stayed in bed until 0830. We were not able to meet with the key people for a plan for Kourtney, so we can't throw her to the wolves without a reasonable plan in place. Hopefully tomorrow we will have a plan. Kourtney will attend one class at Yale (the real reason we are keeping her there is because of her support teacher Mr. White - he has been great to our family- - he seems to be one person who gets our family.  Rod, if you are reading this- thank-you, if you aren't reading this, we will thank you again real soon). We want her to have some kind of physical activity in the morning, be home by noon, and then have two virtual school classes.

We feel hung out to dry with the turnover of caregivers and teacher's aide this last year. It really is an awful devastating feeling to know that in order for you to exist as family we have to rely on so many people. Yesterday the training process started, we have hired wonderful girls who are eager to learn. I just pray that everything works out.

I cried most of the day yesterday, I mourn for Kourtney's loss, I cried because life is hard. But I feel so much better after a good cry and an Ativan ( which I rarely take). This morning I don't feel so inclined to run through the streets screaming I am just ready to run this morning, and go for a bike ride later this afternoon when Todd gets home.