The Call of Duty.

"Mrs. ___, this is L's school calling to request for further evaluation".

I remember it like it was yesterday.
Walking up the stairs to get their pacifiers, I started to think..."Hmmm...They're not really saying any words yet. Not even approximations really".
Fast forward to 16 months when my concerns turned into worry.
Calling the Infant toddler program in my area, the boys were evaluated.
Billinguaism, ear fluid, being a twin and being "all" boy was of course the first diagnosis.
After their evaluation which would end with a "They are fine Mrs.___, don't worry" and the Faith I put into my ENT whom agreed with everyone else, I waited.
But not until they would start speech and play therapy and decorate my house into a Teacch classroom.
Not until I struggled to find the balance between mommy, former Special Educator and Stimulator for the boys.
It was never enough to just make sure their needs were met.
It was never enough to just play with them.
It was never enough to just BE with them.
After burning Big Daddy out, my marriage and myself...It was just never enough.
I pushed for early preschool.
"The 2 more years they will receive will allow for them to catch up Mrs._____, wait and see!"
Armed with my own I.EP.P's and advocate role, I pushed even more.
3 years later after I questioned,argued,cried,screamed, pushed, and advocated only to be told "Everything is fine!"...
It is NOT fine.
Because if it was then the call for duty wouldn't have rang.
They would be graduating preschool with all the tools and skills they have armed themselves with ready to navigate kindergarden with the others.
The others who play together, tell their mom and day how their day was and make up funny stories which delights even the grinchiest of All.
Instead they will be evaluated, for the FOURTH time...
The Pediatrician FAILED ME.
The Infant toddler program FAILED ME.
The preschool services FAILED me.
The system FAILED my boys.
Mummy will NOT fail you L&L.
Mummy is ready for the call of Duty...Like I always was.

Namaste