Moving on to Eigth Grade

       
       Now that Onnaka is moving onto eighth grade she seems to be excited and nervous. She is learning not to let her anxiety get the best of her.  She has some mixed emotions about advancing on in middle school. She has become comfortable where she was at. But she is eager to see find out what is in store for her next year. She has definitely grown in the past year. Onnaka has taken some advice that I have taught her on how to deal with her anxiousness. Everyday I see she tries to let her guard down a little at a time. I know every teenager has their moments and middle school isn't easy. Onnaka also has realized that she is one year full year from being a freshmen in high school. When I look at her I see the little baby I brought home from the hospital. I can't believe how time has flown along with how much we have gone through to get her to this point. I personally never that any school would have given her a chance especially when she was in elementary school. She has went from this quiet little girl to a young lady that is talking in school now. She has made some vast improvements in the last few years. 
      She has had her share of disagreements with her friends. She has learned how to speak up for herself when needed with classmates. Onnaka also has become more relaxed to where she can be silly in front of people without worrying about what other people think of her. Onnaka is starting to show the world who Onnaka really is. All that going back and forth with psychiatrists and medications she has been on along with all the fighting for her rights at school has been well worth it. No one ever believed she was able to talk, play, read, and interact with other kids her age. I never thought that teachers would ever get to see it for themselves. Onnaka has really overcome her Selective Mutism in bigger strides than I could have ever imagined. I am excited for Onnaka and can't wait to see what this year brings her. To prove some teachers wrong and show them that yes Onnaka can do things she is suppose to, this is the best feeling in the world. I don't know how many times I wanted to fight with teachers and school staff over Onnaka. You never realize how much you would do for your child until you have kids. It has really been a roller coaster of emotions but well worth it.