I procrastinated for more than a year to write this specific blog entry, only because it's too emotional for me. I could not write about it without having tears well up in my eyes. Just like now.
But it's high time to share this and I owe it to our special son.
This blog is in honor of Kevin's upcoming birthday.
The first graduation event we attended was Kyla's graduation from Toddler class. It's more of a moving-up day but they have all these graduation garbs, toga, photo ops, ceremonies and marching-down-the-aisle-thing anyway. When the Preparatory class marched in last, I was overwhelmed with emotion then because I could not help but think that our son should have been a part of it, given his age that time. He should have been there with those kids on their graduation day.
To an outsider, I probably look silly, standing there and fighting off the tears over some preschool graduation. I will admit that while we had come to terms with the probability then that Kevin might not make it past the traditional academic level, there were moments when the could-have-beens come to haunt me. It was that kind of a moment.
And because Kyla will actually have her graduation ceremony year-after-year until she completes Preparatory (yes, there's graduation day for Toddler, Nursery, Kindergarten too - like 4 graduations in 4 years!), it means I will have to deal with the sentiment for the next 3 years.
Fast Forward to 2010
There are mysterious happenstance in this life. Kevin entered Kyla's preschool in 2008 under Special Education program. I learned that his program is also called Social Inclusion. This gave Kevin an opportunity to socialize with school kids and help him 'imitate' the right behaviors (taking turn, listening, lining up, socializing, sharing) in a school setting. He looked like a cute big brother because he was already 8 and he had to go with the pre-schoolers' class. He enjoyed going to school and we know this because otherwise he would have thrown fits going to a place he didnt like. We didnt mind that he was with preschoolers and the other parents didnt mind too. In fact, everybody knew and loved him. Kyla's classmates call him Kuya Kevin too. And they all help look after Kevin.
By end of the school year, Kevin is finally about to have his graduation day, dressed in his burgundy graduation gown along side Kyla graduating from Preparatory. We were all very excited that day.
Everyone helped him prepare for his graduation day. We had a dress rehearsal to ensure that he wont get irritated in the long, heavy gown and so that he will be comfortable with the cap. In the morning of his graduation day, we took him to the venue so that he is familiar and "at home" with the place. They also practised a lot before school year ended but it would be safe to have him see the venue with all the trimmings. We also arrived early so that he has time to get cozy and comfortable. He happily posed along with the other kids for picture taking before the ceremony began.
And so the moment we have been waiting for was at hand. He was in a good mood that day, with Kyla (also in grad gown) constantly fluttering by beside him.
We were nervous about the graduation march because we knew Kevin had a thing against the long, heavy flowing gown. It was too warm for him.
And so the time came... Kevin was the last to march in from their level. Kevin walked past looking calm and confident with his gown and graduation cap in place. And for the rest of the program, he was at his best behavior, simply sitting on his place with his fellow graduates and he finished the program without fits! He even participated in all the song numbers.
When he was called to receive his Diploma and Special Award, Kevin stood up from his seat and walked up the stage on his own. Parents were asked meet their child on stage but will have to come from the other end of the stage. I gave him his batch pin and the school head handed his diploma and special award for Visual-Spatial intelligence. Then he bowed down to the audience. The parents applauded for him. We all knew he had come a long way. I frozed that moment in my mind.
Yes, it was indeed a most memorable moment.
It was surreal. Again, I had the tears in my eyes but this time, they were tears of happiness.
I thank God for the opportunity given to Kevin. For a space in time, he belonged and was a part of something very special.
It was a day we will forever cherish and remember.
It was one fine day. Out of many more that I know will come.
But it's high time to share this and I owe it to our special son.
This blog is in honor of Kevin's upcoming birthday.
The first graduation event we attended was Kyla's graduation from Toddler class. It's more of a moving-up day but they have all these graduation garbs, toga, photo ops, ceremonies and marching-down-the-aisle-thing anyway. When the Preparatory class marched in last, I was overwhelmed with emotion then because I could not help but think that our son should have been a part of it, given his age that time. He should have been there with those kids on their graduation day.
To an outsider, I probably look silly, standing there and fighting off the tears over some preschool graduation. I will admit that while we had come to terms with the probability then that Kevin might not make it past the traditional academic level, there were moments when the could-have-beens come to haunt me. It was that kind of a moment.
And because Kyla will actually have her graduation ceremony year-after-year until she completes Preparatory (yes, there's graduation day for Toddler, Nursery, Kindergarten too - like 4 graduations in 4 years!), it means I will have to deal with the sentiment for the next 3 years.
Fast Forward to 2010
There are mysterious happenstance in this life. Kevin entered Kyla's preschool in 2008 under Special Education program. I learned that his program is also called Social Inclusion. This gave Kevin an opportunity to socialize with school kids and help him 'imitate' the right behaviors (taking turn, listening, lining up, socializing, sharing) in a school setting. He looked like a cute big brother because he was already 8 and he had to go with the pre-schoolers' class. He enjoyed going to school and we know this because otherwise he would have thrown fits going to a place he didnt like. We didnt mind that he was with preschoolers and the other parents didnt mind too. In fact, everybody knew and loved him. Kyla's classmates call him Kuya Kevin too. And they all help look after Kevin.
By end of the school year, Kevin is finally about to have his graduation day, dressed in his burgundy graduation gown along side Kyla graduating from Preparatory. We were all very excited that day.
Everyone helped him prepare for his graduation day. We had a dress rehearsal to ensure that he wont get irritated in the long, heavy gown and so that he will be comfortable with the cap. In the morning of his graduation day, we took him to the venue so that he is familiar and "at home" with the place. They also practised a lot before school year ended but it would be safe to have him see the venue with all the trimmings. We also arrived early so that he has time to get cozy and comfortable. He happily posed along with the other kids for picture taking before the ceremony began.
And so the moment we have been waiting for was at hand. He was in a good mood that day, with Kyla (also in grad gown) constantly fluttering by beside him.
 |
| Kevin looked serious throughout the event. He probably knew it was an important day. |
And so the time came... Kevin was the last to march in from their level. Kevin walked past looking calm and confident with his gown and graduation cap in place. And for the rest of the program, he was at his best behavior, simply sitting on his place with his fellow graduates and he finished the program without fits! He even participated in all the song numbers.
When he was called to receive his Diploma and Special Award, Kevin stood up from his seat and walked up the stage on his own. Parents were asked meet their child on stage but will have to come from the other end of the stage. I gave him his batch pin and the school head handed his diploma and special award for Visual-Spatial intelligence. Then he bowed down to the audience. The parents applauded for him. We all knew he had come a long way. I frozed that moment in my mind.
Yes, it was indeed a most memorable moment.
 |
| Kevin received the Visual-Spatial Intelligence Award and everyone applauded when he took a bow. |
It was surreal. Again, I had the tears in my eyes but this time, they were tears of happiness.
I thank God for the opportunity given to Kevin. For a space in time, he belonged and was a part of something very special.
It was one fine day. Out of many more that I know will come.
 |
| Kevin and Kyla with their Graduation gifts |
A blessing indeed!!! Kids like Kevin teach us to be humble and patient, and bring us closer to God.
ReplyDeleteLSY 052611
I'm always teary eyes whenever i read your post about Kevin, they are indeed full of emotions. Kevin is lucky for having.
ReplyDeletenonymousMay 25, 2016 at 9:04 PM
ReplyDeleteI'm always teary eyes whenever i read your post about Kevin, they are indeed full of emotions. Kevin is lucky for having you.