The Shepherd Who Stole the Show

Tonight was Tannehill School's Christmas program. An excerpt from the story was read followed by each class singing two songs. The pre-school and kindergarten were dressed as characters from the manger scene. Grant was a shepherd. Programs have never really been Grant's thing. He can't sing the words to the songs. His global apraxia (which affects all motor planning) makes it difficult for him to do the arm motions. In my eyes, if he stands on stage and faces the right direction and keeps from distracting the rest of the class, it's a success. Tonight was pretty successful. Ms. Wendy only had to re-direct him a few times through his classes portion of the program. He stood on the riser facing the front (most of the time) and in the end of the second song, even attempted a few of the motions. However, Danny and I could sense trouble brewing. We could see the gleam in his eye. I am not sure who decided to have him stand on the riser instead of on the stage, but that is neither here nor there. As his class was exiting stage right, Grant had been good as long as he could stand it. That's when he launched himself off of the risers on stage left, landing on his stomach on the stage. The whole crowd gasped (except Danny and I). Ms. Wendy rushed to his aid. As she was picking him up, Grant looks at me with a GIANT grin on his face and yells, "I FINE, MOMMA!" The crowd burst into laughter and applause. My mom and I laughed until we cried. Oh that boy! Many may not realize it, but those three little words that Grant yelled were HUGE! H U G E ! ! ! Yes, he caused a "scene", but I couldn't be more proud. For an apraxic child to be able to put together a spontaneous, complete sentence and yell it out in front of a crowd of hundreds is amazing and a fete to be celebrated! There were several there who understood the greatness of the moment and commented on how clear his speech was. Those comments and understanding blessed this little momma's heart more than words can describe. You see, part of those tears that were shed by me were of pride and thanksgiving. One word, one sentence, one "scene" at a time he is getting there. He is beating apraxia. Oh. That. Boy...