Devyn's Assessment

Today was Devyn’s assessment and while I walked in there feeling apprehensive and teary, I left feeling pretty hopeful and proud.

Unless you’ve had a child assessed by therapists and professionals; unless you’ve read the words “special education” in regards to your child; you can’t understand what its like to sit in those rooms and watch helplessly as your child struggles to complete tasks. Its extremely hard to sit across the room from your child, struggling to answer a therapist’s questions through a clogged throat from holding back tears, all while your attention is elsewhere, ears straining to hear the other therapists interact with your child. "But by the grace of God, go I."

But oh my child, my strong-willed, determined, lovable, good-natured child. She did an amazing job! I chuckled when the occupational therapist asked Devyn to draw a Mommy and Devyn responded with, “You do it.” One thing about my daughter is that she is very good at getting others to do things for her, even in the midst of an assessment, the therapist obliged her, drawing one side of the mommy and having Devyn draw the other side.

I wanted to clap my hands in glee when Devyn used scissors to cut paper and the occupational therapist informed me that it’s usually a four to five-year-old skill. I shook my head when the therapists used a ringing sound to get Devyn to answer the play phone and Devyn made direct eye contact with the phone but refused to answer it. I was worried when they pulled out a puzzle, an actual-no-wooden-cutouts-or-pegs puzzle. I held my breath when Devyn said she couldn’t do it but didn’t stop trying. I was never so proud as when Devyn stuck with it and actually completed her first puzzle! The look on her face echoed everything that took place in my heart. Way to go, my Devyn-girl!

While we won’t get the official results for a couple of weeks, each of the therapists pulled me aside for an unofficial chat. The occupational specialist told me that she had no concerns about Devyn regarding her motor skills, that she is spot-on where she should at her age. There are a few things to work on: hopping, catching balls, memorization, and coloring, but overall, Devyn is just where she should be. The speech therapist told me that Devyn is right where she should be regarding the number of words in her vocabulary (praise God!). Of course there are concerns regarding some sound issues and the continual misuse of he/him or she/her; or even putting words in the wrong place of her sentences. All issues that are easy to work on and correct.

But the highlight of our visit today? Being told that Devyn is a precious and delightful child; having the therapists tell me that she is a shining light from the moment she walked into the room; hearing that Devyn is obviously a bright child, who is eager to learn. Of course we already knew those things about our little girl, but it does a Mama’s heart proud to hear them from someone else. I’ll let you know about the results and what decisions are made because of them, so stay tuned!

"Devyn Paige, you are a testament to your Maker; you are beautifully and wonderfully made. That tenacious streak of yours is going to come in so handy in the future; it is a beautiful thing to watch you tackle something until you get it right. I continually praise God for giving me the honor of being your mother. Always remember how much you are loved Munchkin. Gratefully Yours, Mama"