Overwhelmed

During a typical day here, I usually manage to find enough kid free seconds to run outside to grab the mail.  As I was fanning through the mail pile last week, it finally came - D's occupational therapy evaluation.  I had been waiting for the written document for about 2 weeks.  I was anxious to see what the OT found after spending about 45 minutes with D.  I opened the envelope and sat down immediately to read it.  Somehow I managed to tune out the kids singing, playing, and crying for mommy for about 5 minutes...

As I glanced through the first page, I read that D was given a diagnosis of dyspraxia.  Immediately, I was filled with an anxious feeling that almost moved me to tears - I was so overwhelmed with fear and questions.  Why does D have to endure these difficulties?  Will I be able to help?  How can we do this with three little ones at home?  Will his peers understand?  

Then I was quickly reminded what God has to say about worrying.  In the gospel of Matthew, he addresses the issue this way:

Matthew 6:25-27
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"

Exhale....that's better. I continued to read the lengthy document.  The OT performed a few standardized assessments on him.  Where the most difficulty appears is with his auditory and visual processing as well as difficulty with handwriting and sensory integration.  There are several areas that will be addressed.  Additionally, they have recommended sessions 2x per week for 6 months, then review his progress.  Here are a few of the goals that they will be working toward in his occupational therapy sessions:

• To improve sensory processing to understand and effectively interact with people and objects in the home and community.
• Will improve ocular motor skills for greater success in eye-hand coordination, writing, and reading tasks.
• To improve visual motor skills to improve accuracy with pre-writing and handwriting skills.

The upcoming week is going to be full of new in this house - D will begin regular sessions of occupational therapy, which is twice per week.  We are initiating a behavioral chart based on the recommendations of the child psychologist.  We are also squeezing in a small birthday celebration for our sweet A, who will be turning 3!  I would appreciate your prayers this week - and I hope that you can rest in God's promise to take care of you, no matter how overwhelmed you may feel!

xoxo,
Chele