Katie's Angel

I would like you to read two of my favorite quotes and please read them slowly so they really sink in....

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." - Albert Einstein 

"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." - Heather Cortez

When I read these there is one person who I think of every time and that is a lovely woman named Amy.  Amy is Anna Cate''s angel.  

We met Amy, five years ago when Anna Cate was in private school and instantly feel in love with her.   Amy worked with Anna Cate on a rotating basis at school and when it came time to leave the private school we asked Amy if she would like to continue working with Anna Cate.  That day changed our lives forever.  Amy is the best thing that could have happened to Anna Cate!   She is smart, fun, beautiful, and everything in between.  But what is most important is she "knows"  Anna Cate.

Amy is with Anna Cate at school throughout the day helping her in every and any way she needs it.  Not only does she help her learn her school work in a modified version of what Anna Cate can understand, but she doesn't mind putting on her "girlie" hat and trying to think of the best ways to help Anna Cate be like her peers in any given situation.  She wants her to be a typical 9 year old!  She asks Anna Cate's friends constantly for ideas and wants their perspective as they are the best examples for Katie.  There is only one reason I know that Amy fights so hard to Anna Cate and that is because she believes in her.

Believing and repetition are two words that go hand in hand when talking about the relationship between Amy and Anna Cate.  Amy believes that Anna Cate will and can do anything if she is taught in the best modified way for her and there has to be constant repetition.  She sees it and we see it working every day!  As in my last blog you read about something as simple as drinking from a cup.  Well, since September 7th, the first day of school, Amy has been working on Anna Cate greeting her typical second grade teacher with a "Good Morning", verbally.  Last week she did it with no prompts as soon as she walked into class!  Not only can you see on Anna Cate's face how proud of herself she is, but the excitement on Amy's face was that of true love!  She knew she could do it and she practiced with repetition every day in a normal setting (like at circle time and that initial greeting) and after that hundredth and whatever time, it clicked and came out of her mouth beautifully!

Amy also knows Anna Cate's body language almost better that I do sometimes!  Anna Cate has multiple "looks" that she gets and you have to know which "look" you are getting as there are many different ways to deal with each  "look".  Amy has got them all down and has for many years.  This is huge in working with Anna Cate, KNOWING HER BODY LANGUAGE!  We used to have multiple "screams" and they all meant something different and they all sounded a little different!  Thank goodness this phase has passed!

Amyis always reading books on various ideas, techniques, you name it to help Anna Cate.  She is always looking for the next "thing" to help her with or to find the right "thing" to help her succeed in a current area.  And Amy too is always trying to help in the area of Katie's behaviors.  That is one mountain we all can't wait to climb and then look back and say, "see ya"!

Amy is not only a teacher, friend and angel to Anna Cate, but she is also a friend to our whole family.  But calling her a "friend" doesn't seem to do her justice.  She is more than a "friend", she is family.  Amy not only loves and cares for Anna Cate, but Betsie and Eli also have a special place in her heart and she shows it to them too!    And she is always there for me; whether it is helping me with Anna Cate when I need it, saying the right words at the right time when I am feeling down, or giving me a hug when I need it most.  Amy is one truly amazing woman and I am so happy she is a part of our life.

Amy lives her life as though everything is a miracle!  And to Anna Cate she is THE WORLD!  They share a very special bond and anyone who comes into contact with them can see this immediately.

Amy, I can never thank you enough for being the most amazing friend, teacher and angel to Anna Cate.  We all love you beyond words!

XOXO

P.S. And if you could meet Amy's husband, you would be so lucky!  He is equally as amazing and supportive with our family!  They are the perfect pair!